Judges 20:39
Then the men of Israel turned in the battle, and Benjamin began to strike and kill about thirty men of Israel, for they said, *“Surely they are defeated before us, as in the first battle”* (Judges 20:39, NASB-95). In this passage, the tribe of Benjamin initially gains confidence because they see a repeat of the Israelites’ earlier defeat. The Benjamites believe they have the upper hand, recalling how they triumphed before. This moment unfolds during a civil war where Israel’s tribes clash due to a grievous sin committed by men of Gibeah (in Benjamin). The location is near Gibeah, a city in Benjamin’s territory in central Israel, sometime after Joshua’s conquest but before the establishment of Israel’s monarchy, likely between 1400–1050 BC. Their assumption—“Surely they are defeated before us”—shows how past victory can create a dangerous overconfidence.
*“Benjamin began to strike and kill about thirty men of Israel”* demonstrates that the Benjamites’ skill in combat was still formidable. Their confidence here ties into the earlier battles where they had initially beaten back larger forces. But Israel’s broader plan was to lure the Benjamites into overextending themselves. In the aftermath, the men of Israel turn the tide, revealing that God’s overarching law and justice against wickedness are not easily thwarted (Deuteronomy 32:35, NASB-95). Even in civil strife, the biblical narrative illustrates how pride often precedes a downfall (Proverbs 16:18, NASB-95), laying the groundwork for Benjamin’s impending defeat.
The larger message in this account points toward the necessity of repentance, unity among God’s people, and reverence for His covenant law. Though the Israelites and the Benjamites were brethren, their disobedience brought catastrophic results. Jesus would later emphasize unity among believers (John 17:21, NASB-95), reflecting God’s heart for His people to live in righteousness and harmony. This verse in Judges portrays how relying on previous success without moral alignment can lead to destructive conflict and ultimate judgment.
This verse shows how overconfidence in past victories can lead to unexpected 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:
- Exodus 20:3 meaning. The 1st commandment prohibits the worship of all other gods.
- Exodus 39:8-21 meaning. Along with the ephod, the high priest wore a breastpiece. It was made of the same material as the ephod and had twelve stones arranged in four rows on it. Other items associated with the breastpiece were also built. The design of the breastpiece was given in Exodus 28:15 – 30.
- Judges 5:1-5 meaning. The song of Deborah and Barak is a victory hymn celebrating God’s deliverance of Israel from the oppression of the Canaanite king Jabin and his commander Sisera. This song praises the leadership of Israel’s volunteers, glorifies the Lord’s mighty acts in battle, and recalls God’s past interventions in Israel’s history, worshiping His sovereignty and power over creation.