Judges 20:46
*So all of Benjamin who fell that day were twenty-five thousand men who draw the sword; all of these were valiant warriors.* (v.46)
This verse highlights the staggering conclusion of a civil conflict within Israel that arose after an unspeakable crime was committed in the city of Gibeah, in the territory of Benjamin (Judges 19–21). The atrocity provoked the other tribes to unite in battle against Benjamin, leading to a sequence of tragic confrontations. The number of slain, twenty-five thousand, underscores the colossal scale of the conflict and how it nearly obliterated the tribe, leaving only a remnant behind citeturn0file18 citeturn0file11. Historically, the period of the Judges extended roughly from 1380 BC until about 1050 BC, a tumultuous period in Israel’s history marked by cycles of rebellion, judgment, and intermittent repentance.
The phrase “valiant warriors” reminds us that the Benjamite fighters were courageous and formidable, yet they were still overcome by the collective might of the other Israelite tribes. This grim outcome illustrates the destructive consequence of unchecked sin within the community of God’s people. The atrocity at Gibeah (Judges 19:29) set in motion a tragedy that did not spare even the bravest among the tribe of Benjamin, showing that no measure of human strength can avert the effects of deep moral collapse. The collective heartbreak stirred Israel to recognize how far they had departed from God’s ways, reinforcing the principle that sin inevitably carries a costly penalty.
In light of the New Testament, situations like this foreshadow humanity’s universal need for a Savior. The violence and tragedy in Judges display how human efforts—no matter how heroic—cannot fully curb the destructive effects of sin. Ultimately, Jesus offers the perfect remedy (Romans 6:23). His compassion and sacrifice stand in stark contrast to the hostilities and ravages of civil war, providing a path of true reconciliation, peace, and spiritual restoration.
This devastating civil war demonstrates the unrestrained cost of sin as 25,000 Benjaminite warriors perished in a single day.
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:
- 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.
- Genesis 21:31-34 meaning. Abraham names the place where he made an oath with Abimelech, “Beersheba.” After the covenant is made, Abraham plants a tree at Beersheba and prays to God.
- Matthew 7:21-23 meaning. Jesus asserts He will refuse many people entrance into His kingdom on the Day of Judgment because they did not know Him or follow His Father’s will. Despite their claims of performing mighty works in His name, their deeds and hearts violated God’s law.