Judges 20:40

As this passage unfolds in the conflict between the tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, the verse states, *“But when the cloud began to ascend from the city in a column of smoke, Benjamin looked behind them; and behold, the entire city was going up in smoke to heaven”* (v.40). This describes a critical moment when the defenders from Benjamin, fully engaged in battle outside their hometown, notice the towering pillar of smoke behind them. It is a stark visual that unfolds in Gibeah, an ancient city within the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, located several miles north of Jerusalem in the central hill country of Israel. The tribes of Israel used this smoke signal as a sign that the ambush against Gibeah was complete, and it symbolized the unveiling of God’s judgment on a city that harbored grave wrongdoing (Judges 19:25−30 NASB-95).

*“But when the cloud began to ascend from the city in a column of smoke…”* (v.40) illustrates the plan in action: the Israelite warriors, having set an ambush, waited for the appointed sign to converge upon the city. This event took place during the period of the Judges (roughly 1370−1050 BC), an era marked by cyclical disobedience and deliverance in Israel’s history. By seeing the smoke, the Benjamite forces realized that the city—their stronghold—was on the brink of destruction. It was a direct blow to their morale and a turning point that shifted the advantage to the rest of the Israelite confederation.

Finally, the Scripture tells us that *“…Benjamin looked behind them; and behold, the entire city was going up in smoke to heaven”* (v.40). This underscores that no stronghold can stand against the collective resolve of God’s people, especially when the Lord’s justice is sought. The image of rising smoke echoes other biblical moments of judgment, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:28 NASB-95), and it foreshadows both the severity and the finality of God’s interventions, culminating in the New Testament teachings of Jesus where He calls the faithful to justice, mercy, and righteousness (Matthew 23:23 NASB-95).

Gibeah’s downfall was sealed by the unmistakable sign of smoke, transforming a seemingly invincible city into a vivid illustration of divine judgment.

This verse highlights the dramatic turning point in the battle against Benjamin, emphasizing that God’s justice ultimately prevailed through the unity and perseverance of the other Israelite tribes.