Judges 20:37
The verse narrates that *“the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword”* (Judges 20:37). This scene unfolds during a pivotal moment in a fierce civil conflict within Israel, where eleven of the tribes unite against the tribe of Benjamin because of a heinous crime in the city of Gibeah. Here, “the men in ambush” move swiftly, fulfilling the tactical plan laid out previously by the Israelite forces (Judges 20:29–36 NASB-95), and successfully enter Gibeah. Gibeah itself was located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, a region north of Jerusalem. This city, known earlier as the home of Israel’s first king, Saul (1 Samuel 10:26 NASB-95), takes on a tragic role when many of its inhabitants refuse to repent of their wrongdoing. Benjamin’s refusal to bring the perpetrators to justice ultimately results in this ambush.
By emphasizing that the attackers “hurried and rushed” and then “struck all the city with the edge of the sword,” *“the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword”* (v.37) underscores the severity of the conflict and the suddenness of the destruction that befell Gibeah. The swiftness of the operation indicates that the Israelites sought to root out evil decisively. This instance of judgment upon Gibeah is a sobering reminder that the nation of Israel was meant to abide by God’s law together—reflecting the same zeal for holiness and righteousness that Jesus would later affirm when He taught that sin must be addressed with sincere repentance (Matthew 18:15–17 NASB-95).
In historical context, this dark period of civil war (around the late 14th century BC to mid-11th century BC, before the establishment of the monarchy under Saul in approximately 1050 BC) illustrates Israel’s desperate need for godly leadership. The anarchy dominating this era foreshadows the ultimate longing for a King who would guide them into peace and obedience, a longing that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NASB-95).
A swift, decisive judgment came upon Gibeah, displaying the catastrophic consequences of unchecked sin within the nation.
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:
- 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.
- Numbers 1:20-46 meaning. Verses 20 – 46 relates the count of the number of men qualified for warfare by each tribe. The last three verses record the totals.
- Matthew 16:13-20 meaning. Jesus begins a significant conversation with His disciples In Caesarea Philippi. He asks His disciples about the Son of Man and who He is. Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus commends His disciple for God’s revealing this to him, and tells him that such bold faith will lead the church to overcome culture and Hades itself. Jesus also tells Peter that He will give him authority to act on behalf of kingdom of heaven.