Juízes 20
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Juízes 20
NJB (MT versing) Resolve to Punish the Guilty Israel's War with the Benjamites The Failures of the Israelite Tribes (17:1-21:25) Israel Prepares for War The Israelites Vow to Avenge the Crime at Gibeah 20:1-7 20:1-7 20:1-7 20:1-3a 20:1-7 20:3b-7 20:8-11 20:8-11 20:8-11 20:8-11 20:8-11 Obduracy of the Benjamites 20:12-16 20:12-17 20:12-17 20:12-17 20:12-13 The First Engagements 20:14-16 20:17 20:17-18 Civil War, Benjamin Defeated The War Against the Benjamites 20:18 20:18-23 20:18 20:18a 20:18b 20:19-23 20:19-23 20:19-23a 20:19-25 20:23b-28a 20:24-28 20:24-25 20:24-28 20:26-28 20:26-28 20:28b Defeat of Benjamin 20:29-35 20:29-35 20:29-34 20:29-32a 20:29-32 20:32b-36a 20:33-35 20:35 How the Israelites Won 20:36-48 20:36-48 20:36a 20:36b-46 20:36-41 20:36b-48 20:42-47 20:47-48 20:48 Etc. CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS It is surprising that "all Israel" (Jdgs. 20:1, 2, 11) agreed on anything. The disgraceful covenant violation of Benjamin demanded a response. This is similar to Joshua 7:15, 22. The acts of the "worthless fellow" (lit. "sons of "Belial") are characterized as wickedness ‒ BDB 949, cf. Jdgs. 20:3,12,13 (translated "disaster" in 20:34,41; it is used often in Jeremiah) lewd ‒ BDB 273 I, Jdgs. 20:6, cf. 20:44, 48, 49; Ezek. 16:27, 43, 58; 22:9, 21, 27; 23:29, 35, 44, 48, 49 disgraceful ‒ BDB 615, Jdgs. 19:23; 20:6, 10, 12; Gen. 34:7; Deut. 22:21; 2 Sam. 13:12; Jer. 29:23 (all with sexually inappropriate acts) God's people are to live their lives within covenant guidelines which encourage and support long term societal stability, not instant personal gratification! This slaughter of Benjamin was sanctioned by YHWH (cf. Jdgs. 20:17, 23, 26-28). There are consequences to choices (cf. Gal. 6:7), individually (the worthless fellows) corporately (the tribe of Benjamin refusing YHWH's words) corporately (the sadness of all Israel about what they have done)
Juízes 20:1-7
20:1 "from Dan to Beersheba" This became an idiom for all the land given to the tribes of Israel. The new city of Dan (formerly Laish, Judges 18) to Beersheba, a city in the far south (cf. 1 Sam. 3:20; 2 Sam. 17:11; 24:2, 15). The exact boundaries of the Promised Land are rather ambiguous (NIDOTTE, vol. 1, p. 803). Num. 34:1-12 Deut. 1:6-8 Deut. 3:12-26 Deut. 11:24 Joshua 1:3-4 Jos. 13:8-12 (east of Jordan) Jdgs. 20:1 This implies a later date than Judges 17-28, but the united action of the tribes (cf. Jdgs. 20:1, 2, 11), the presence of the ark, and Phinehas, the High Priest in charge (cf. Jdgs. 20:26-28), all point to an early date in the period of the Judges. Even possibly before Judges 17-18, because the OT historical narratives are not always in chronological order. Judges was compiled by a later editor during David's reign. ▣ "the land of Gilead" This phrase was used to describe the land (and tribes) east of the Jordan River. This statement is surprising in light of Jdgs. 21:8-9, which informs us that not all Gilead came to Mizpah. The VERB "come up" (BDB 748, KB 828, Qal PERFECT, cf. Jdgs. 21:5, 8) may be idiomatic for meeting YHWH at a worship gathering (NIDOTTE, vol. 2, p. 404). ▣ "the congregation assembled" Israel collectively was called the congregation ‒ BDB 417, Jdgs. 20:1 the assembly ‒ BDB 874, Jdgs. 20:2 The early church chose #2, as translated by the LXX, to refer to themselves. They saw themselves as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Remember, the writers of the NT (except Luke, who was still influenced by Paul) were Hebrew thinkers, writing in street Greek (Koine). The best way to understand NT Greek terms is not a Greek lexicon but the Septuagint. SPECIAL TOPIC: CHURCH (ekklesia) SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS ▣ "Mizpah" Mizpah (BDB 859) means "watchtower" or "outlook point." There are several sites by this name. This gathering site, about three and a half miles south of Bethel (Jdgs. 20:26-28), is also mentioned in 1 Sam. 7:5-6, 16; 10:17. See The MacMillan Bible Atlas, map #81. Josephus (Antiq. 5.2.9) says they gathered at "Shiloh" (cf. Jdgs. 18:31). The ark is located at Shiloh in 1 Sam. 1:3. 20:2 "chiefs" This is the Hebrew word for "corner" (BDB 819, #2), used in the sense of "leader" (lit. "cornerstones of the people"; cf. 1 Sam. 14:38; Isa. 19:13; Zech. 10:4. This becomes imagery for the Messiah. SPECIAL TOPIC: CORNERSTONE ▣ "400,000" There are several large numbers in this chapter. They do not all add up to the precise total. Remember, it is difficult to translate Hebrew numbers correctly the term "thousand" is used in several senses round numbers were often used to convey more than just an accurate number of people SPECIAL TOPIC: THOUSAND (eleph) SPECIAL TOPIC: SYMBOLIC NUMBERS IN SCRIPTURE 20:3-7 The tribes want to hear the story firsthand from the Levite. This is a brief repetition of Judges 19. 20:5 "because of me" Josephus says it was because his concubine was beautiful but here the homosexual intent of the mob is made clear. The Levite clearly thought the homosexual rape would have killed him (as it did his concubine). 20:6 See note in Contextual Insights, C. 20:7 The Levite asks (BDB 396, KB 393, Qal IMPERATIVE) for advice ‒ BDB 182 counsel ‒ BDB 420 Notice how other translations handle the implication of this IMPERATIVE. JPSOA ‒ "Now you are all Israelites; produce a plan of action here and now." NJB ‒ "Now, all you Israelites, discuss the matter and give your decision here and now."
Juízes 20:8-11
20:8 "all the people arose as one man" This tribal unity is surprising during the period of the Judges (cf. Jdgs. 20:2, 8, 11). Note some of the tension expressed in Jdgs. 5:15-17; 8:1-3; 12:1-6. Many scholars think this emphasis on unity was the work of a later editor during David's day. During the period of the judges, there was only a loose, often regional, cooperation between the tribes. Unity came only with a king. ▣ "his tent. . .his house" It is possible to see these as some lived in tents and some in houses "tents" is an anachronism just literary variety for the same thought 20:9 "by lot" This was a means of knowing YHWH's will in a matter (i.e., Jonah 1:7; Acts 1:26). In Jdgs. 20:26-28 Israel consults with the High Priest. SPECIAL TOPIC: URIM AND THUMMIM 20:10 This is a practical verse that details how the troops will be supplied. ▣ "to Gibeah" The MT has "Geba" (BDB 148, cf. Jdgs. 20:33; Jos. 18:24; 21:17), but in Jdgs. 19:12; 20:31, it is "Gibeah" (BDB 149 II). Notice the combined army of Israel was only going to attack Gibeah (Jdgs. 20:11) but in 20:14 all Benjamin assembled to resist them (Jdgs. 20:14).
Juízes 20:12-16
20:12-13 The united Israeli army asked the tribe of Benjamin to turn over "the worthless fellows" for execution but Benjamin, for whatever reason, would not (possibly tribal pride). 20:15 "26,000" This is the total number of Benjamin's troops plus the 700 from Gibeah. But the numbers do not add up. Notice total 26,700, Jdgs. 20:15 (LXX A , 25,700; LXX B , 23,700) those killed 22,000 ‒ Jdgs. 20:21, of Israel 8,000 ‒ Jdgs. 20:25, of Israel 25,100 ‒ Jdgs. 20:35, of Benjamin 18,000 ‒ Jdgs. 20:44, of Benjamin 2,000 ‒ Jdgs. 20:45, of Benjamin only 600 left ‒ Jdgs. 20:47, but what of the 3,000 in Jdgs. 20:45 who were captured not killed? 20:16 "left handed" This was unusual (lit. "bound [BDB 32] on the right [BDB 411] hand" [BDB 383]), which shows that most people were right handed. This phrase always relates to Benjamite warriors (cf. Jdgs. 3:15 and 1 Chr. 12:2). They were very accurate with the sling. This is ironic because the name "Benjamin" (BDB 122) means "son of the right hand."
Juízes 20:18
20:18 "Bethel" This was the location of the ark at this period (cf. Jdgs. 20:26-28). ▣ "inquired of God" This would involve asking a priest (cf. Jdgs. 20:18, 23, 27; the first two gatherings may have taken place at Mizpah). Here the High Priest would either use the Urim and Thummim (NIDOTTE, vol. 1, pp. 329-330) receive a direct revelation Notice the term "God" (Elohim) is parallel to YHWH. This parallelism also occurs in Exod. 3:2-12, where the angel of YHWH Elohim YHWH all appear in a unified context. I do not think this reflects multiple sources , but either literary variety the specialized connotation of the different names for Deity in Israel SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY, C. and D. SPECIAL TOPIC: PENTATEUCH SOURCE CRITICISM ▣ "Judah shall go up first" Judges is written to clearly demonstrate the need for a righteous king. It was probably written during the reign of David, who was from the tribe of Judah (cf. Gen. 49:10). The appendix to Judges (chapters 17-21) highlights the sins of Benjamin, which was the tribe of Saul, the first king. By YHWH choosing Judah to go first (as during the exodus), He was establishing their priority. This phrase has no VERBAL but functions as an IMPERATIVE.
Juízes 20:19-23
20:19-28 These verses document the Israeli army's two defeats. This is surprising because they had sought YHWH's will at the tabernacle in Bethel and it received His blessing. YHWH tells them to attack three times (Jdgs. 20:18, 23, 28). The unexpected defeats by a much smaller group (i.e., Benjamin's military) can be seen in Jdgs. 20:23, 26. 22,000 of Israel are killed in 20:21 18,000 of Israel are killed in 20:25 One wonders if Mizpah was not an approved worship site and only when Israel came to the tabernacle and ark at Bethel did YHWH honor their request. But this is just speculation. The Jewish Study Bible, p. 552, says, "On the first two days Israel was defeated, for reasons that are not clear." Remember, this is not western, chronological, cause-and-effect history. This is history recorded for theological purposes. Usually several chapters are involved in making the main point (i.e., this was a period of confusion and evil in Israel's history; they needed a righteous king who would uphold and honor the Mosaic covenant (i.e., David). SPECIAL TOPIC: THE OLD TESTAMENT AS HISTORY 20:21 "20,000" Again, the true number is hard to know. the use of round numbers the different connotations of "thousand" 20:22-23 Many scholars and translations believe these verses have been transposed; Jdgs. 20:23 should come first.
Juízes 20:24-28
20:26 "Bethel" This worship site called Bethel in central Canaan (Luz, Gen. 28:19) has two possible origins. the vision of Jacob about a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with angels ascending and descending (cf. Gen. 28:10-19) the place where Jacob wrestled with the angel and his name was changed to Israel (cf. Gen. 35:5, 9-15) The location of the tabernacle with the ark was moved several times during the period from Joshua to David (i.e., Gilgal, Shechem, Shiloh, Bethel, Shiloh, Jerusalem). ▣ "fasting" There are two other places in the OT where Israel fasted in preparation for a battle (cf. 1 Sam. 7:6; 2 Chr. 20:1-4). SPECIAL TOPIC: GRIEVING RITES 20:27 "the ark of the covenant" This is the only mention of the ark in Judges. SPECIAL TOPIC: ARK OF THE COVENANT 20:28 "Phinehas" This is an Egyptian name meaning "dark skinned child" or "Negro" (BDB 810). He was a very loyal priest (cf. Numbers 25) and High Priest (cf. Num. 31:6; Jos. 22:13).
Juízes 20:29-35
20:28-35 The Israeli army used the same military tactic (i.e., ambush) used by Joshua at Ai (cf. Jos. 8:3-28). There are several ambushes mentioned in Judges. Gideon against Midian ‒ Jdgs. 8:4-12 men of Shechem against Abimelech ‒ Jdgs. 9:25, 32, 43 Philistines against Samson ‒ Jdgs. 16:2 Israeli army against the men of Benjamin ‒ Jdgs. 20:29-48 remnant of Benjamin against the women of Shiloh ‒ Jdgs. 21:19-23 20:33-36a The NET Bible suggests that Jdgs. 20:33-36a contains a "condensed account of the battle," while 20:36b-48 has a more detailed account. If true, this would help reconcile the differing numbers of troops killed and those who escaped. 20:33 "Baal-tamar" Ba'al was the male fertility god of the Canaanite pantheon, son of El. He was worshiped at local shrines (i.e., high places, either manmade or natural). The location of this particular site is on the road between Gibeah and Bethel (ABD, vol. 1, p. 553). SPECIAL TOPIC: FERTILITY WORSHIP OF THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST ▣ "Maareh-geba" The JPSOA footnote suggests an emendation so that this may be translated "west of Gibeah" (see NRSV). The difference would be ממערה ‒ "clearing" (BDB 780, possibly "meadow") ממערב ‒ "west" (BDB 787) The UBS Text Project, p. 130, gives #1 a "B" rating (some doubt). Geba and Gibeah may be two separate cities (James D. Martin Commentary, p. 209, asserts they are three miles apart) a variant spelling of the same city; they are often associated Jdgs. 20:10, 32-33 1 Sam 13:1, 16; 14:5 Isa. 10:29 20:34 NASB, NKJV, NRSV "against Gibeah" TEV, NJB "attacked Gibeah" "to a point south of Gibeah" REB, NEB "came in on the east side of town" "a frontal assault against Gibeah" "came in front of Gibeah" "toward Gibeah" The MT has the PREPOSITION (BDB 617), which is very close to the NOUN for "south" (BDB 616, JPSOA). The basic meaning of the common PREPOSITION is "which is conspicuous" or "in front of," "opposite." 20:35 "the Lord struck Benjamin" This is YHWH as Divine Warrior. Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel (p. 260) has a good list of methods. asserted ‒ Jos. 10:14, 42; Jdgs. 20:35 uses elements of nature ‒ Jos. 10:11; 24:7; Jdgs. 5:20; 1 Sam. 7:10 threw the enemy into confusion ‒ Jdgs. 4:15; 7:22; 1 Sam. 7:10; 14:20 sending "divine terror" ‒ 1 Sam. 14:15
Juízes 20:36-48
20:38 The prearranged sign between the Israeli force pretending to flee (i.e., in order to draw out the army of Benjamin) and the Israeli force which attacked Gibeah, was the city being set on fire. This sign caused both groups to attack Benjamin, caught between them (Jdgs. 20:41), with no place to retreat. The MT has the Hiphil IMPERATIVE, "make many" (BDB 915, KB 1176), which seems to refer to a large fire. 20:39 "Surely they are defeated" This is an intensified Hebrew grammatical feature (i.e., a Niphal INFINITIVE ABSOLUTE and PARTICIPLE of the same root, BDB 619, KB 669). 20:43 The Jewish Study Bible, p. 555, calls this verse a "difficult poem," but no English translation, including JPSOA, shows it indented. ▣ NASB, REB "without rest" NRSV, NET, LXX B "from Nohah" TEV, LXX A "without stopping" "relentlessly" "from Menuhah" The MT has "at their resting place" (BDB 629). The UBS Text Project, p. 130, gives this a "B" rating (some doubt). There are several suggested emendations following the same basic thought (see pp. 130-131). The name Nohah appears in 1 Chr. 8:2 as a person's name (i.e., one of Benjamin's sons). So surely it could have been the name of a region, locality, or town. 20:45-47 The numbers through here are uncertain (i.e., Jdgs. 20:45), but the remnant is only 600 men! 20:45 NASB, NKJV "at Gidom" "as far as Gidom" NJB, Peshitta "up to Gidom" "had cut down" LXX A "as far as Gadaam" LXX B "as far as Gedan" The UBS Text Project, p. 132, lists four possibilities but gives a "B" rating (i.e., some doubt) to the REB version, which is a VERB, not a place name. 20:47 "the rock of Rimmon" This location was about 4 miles west of Bethel (The MacMillan Bible Atlas, map #86). However, there are several locations which include this name (a Benjamite, cf. 2 Sam. 4:2, 5, 9). Wherever it was, it was a large rock formation, or possibly a high cave which gave protection to the remnant of Benjamin (ABA, vol. 5, pp. 173-174). 20:48 The Holy War techniques used in the conquest are employed against the cities of Benjamin; everything that breathes dies! Archeology records that Gibeah was destroyed in the mid 12th century B.C. ▣ "all that they found" This may be a Hebrew idiom for "captured people" (cf. Isa. 13:15; 22:3; note parallelism).