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Judges 20:32

*“The sons of Benjamin said, ‘They are struck down before us, as previously.’ But the sons of Israel said, ‘Let us flee that we may draw them away from the city to the highways.’”* (v.32) The Benjamites, descendants of Benjamin (the youngest son of Jacob, who lived around the 18th century BC), feel confident here in the aftermath of earlier victories. They exclaim that their enemies have *“been struck down before us, as previously,”* recalling previous skirmishes where they had the upper hand (v.32). Their home territory, near the city of Gibeah, is located in the central highlands of the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. In this verse, the Benjamites perceive their success as continuing, unaware that a stratagem is unfolding against them.

When Israel responds, *“Let us flee that we may draw them away from the city to the highways,”* it reveals their tactical ploy (v.32). By feigning a retreat, the Israelites hope to lure the Benjamites into open ground. Ancient armies frequently used the laid-out roads, known here as “highways,” as major routes for travel and military engagements. This maneuver is reminiscent of other biblical strategies, such as Joshua’s ambush at Ai (Joshua 8:3–7 NASB-95), where a false retreat was used to gain the upper hand.

This event takes place during the era of the Judges, a period in Israel’s history dated roughly between 1370 and 1050 BC. The people had no central monarchy, and local leaders, called judges, rose to deliver them from various crises (Judges 2:16 NASB-95). The conflict arises from deep internal disputes, culminating in a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes. As with other episodes of discord, it sets the stage for the eventual yearning for a centralized kingship, which comes with Saul—himself a Benjamite—later in history (1 Samuel 9:1–2 NASB-95).

The Benjamites’ perceived advantage leads them into a trap that foreshadows their defeat.

This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]

Other Relevant Commentaries:

  • Hebrews 11:32-34 meaning. The Pauline Author recognizes that he cannot acknowledge all of the faithful believers, but he names some of the incredible trials they endured for their faithfulness.
  • Genesis 20:1-4 meaning. Abraham moves to Gerar. He told King Abimelech that Sarah was his sister. Therefore, the king sent for and took Sarah. However, in a dream, God revealed to Abimelech that Sarah was married.
  • Judges 1:27-29 meaning. The tribe of Manasseh fails to fully take possession of several key cities and their surrounding villages, allowing the Canaanites to remain in the land. Additionally, when Israel became strong, they subjected the Canaanites to slavery instead of completely driving them out. The tribe of Ephraim also failed to expel the Canaanites living in Gezer, resulting in the Canaanites living among them.

Judges 20:32