Judges 20:41

In the midst of a fierce civil conflict between Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, we encounter the decisive moment in Scripture where *“Then the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were terrified; for they saw that disaster was close to them.”* (Judges 20:41) This turning point follows considerable fighting near Gibeah, a Benjaminite city located a few miles north of Jerusalem. The Benjaminites, descendants of Benjamin (the youngest son of the patriarch Jacob, who may have lived around 1915–1786 BC), have waged war against the united forces of the other Israelite tribes—only to find themselves now overwhelmed and in fear that their defeat is imminent.

The verse demonstrates how decisive the tide of battle proved to be once the men of Israel launched their final repulse. When it says *“…the men of Benjamin were terrified…”* (Judges 20:41), the fear reflects the sobering realization that military might alone could not preserve them. This sense of calamity echoes earlier themes in Judges (NASB-95) where repeated moral failures eventually led to dire consequences, highlighting the cycle Israel faced when turning away from God’s guidance.

Spiritually, *“…for they saw that disaster was close to them.”* (Judges 20:41) reminds us of how sudden reversals in human conflicts can serve as moments of divine intervention or correction. Centuries later, Jesus’ own teachings point believers toward humility and unity (John 17:20–23, NASB-95), underscoring the tragic outcome that can result when division and spiritual upheaval remain unaddressed. Though Benjamin would later produce Israel’s first king, Saul, around 1050 BC, this moment in Judges underscores the justice of God and the necessity for repentance among all tribes of Israel.

In essence, the defeat of Benjamin highlights how inward strife and ungodliness bring swift consequences.