Judges 20:35
*“Then the LORD struck Benjamin before Israel, so that the sons of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day, all who draw the sword.”* (v.35) This verse describes the moment in which God delivers the tribe of Benjamin into the hands of the other Israelites during a civil conflict. The tribe of Benjamin inhabited parts of central Israel, an area near Jerusalem in later times, and at this point in history (around 1370–1050 BC) they formed one of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob’s sons. The tragedy of this scene stands out: they are fighting their fellow Israelites due to horrific crimes that the men of Gibeah committed earlier in the narrative (Judges 19–20, NASB-95). Therefore, the confrontation comes not from an external enemy but from within, illustrating how sin and disregard for God’s moral instructions can fracture the unity of the faithful (cf. Romans 6:23, NASB-95).
By evoking God’s direct involvement—*“Then the LORD struck Benjamin before Israel”* (v.35)—the passage underlines that this was not merely a human conflict. Though both sides were Israelites, God allowed one tribe to face defeat because of the violence and evil that had been tolerated in their midst. The mention of *“25,100 men of Benjamin”* (v.35) accentuates the devastating consequences of turning against His ways. Historically, one can see how the period of the Judges is marked by regional alliances and tribal identities that frequently led Israel into cycles of disobedience, oppression, and repentance (Judges 2:16–19, NASB-95).
The significance of the tribe of Benjamin later becomes more evident when Saul, Israel’s first king, emerges from this lineage (1 Samuel 9:1–2, NASB-95). Even in the midst of devastating judgment, God’s purposes persist for every part of His people. The conflict here foreshadows how Israel would ultimately need a righteous King, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ, who unites all believers under the new covenant (John 10:16, NASB-95). The civil war in Judges 20 reminds us of humanity’s inability to remain faithful independent of God’s transforming grace.
It is a stark reminder that pride and sin within God’s community can lead to terrible conflict.
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:
- Exodus 20:3 meaning. The 1st commandment prohibits the worship of all other gods.
- Deuteronomy 20:10-18 meaning. Moses prescribed regulations concerning how the Israelites are to conduct themselves in war against adversaries that are either far or near.
- Judges 5:12-18 meaning. Deborah and Barak’s victory song continues, praising those tribes who joined the fight and criticizing those who stayed behind.