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Judges 20:48

In describing the aftermath of an intense civil war among God’s people, the scripture declares, *“Then the men of Israel turned back against the sons of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, both the entire city with the cattle and all that they found; they also set on fire all the cities which they found.” (v.48)* This event takes place during the period of the Judges, roughly between 1375 BC and 1050 BC, a time when Israel had no central monarchy and was instead governed by leaders called “judges.” The tribe of Benjamin, which descended from Jacob (around 2,000 BC to his death in approximately 1859 BC), now faces dire consequences for their part in a grievous crime that sparked a nationwide conflict. The mention of “the edge of the sword” and the burning of “all the cities which they found” conveys a scene of total devastation, emphasizing both judgment and sorrow.

When the verse notes that *the men of Israel “struck them with the edge of the sword”* (v.48), it points to a grim finality. The fury of Israel here is not impulsive—the entire chapter narrates how repeated calls for justice were ignored by Benjamin, leading to this tragic collision among tribes that were once united under the same covenant. Geographically, they are in the land allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, located in central Israel near the region that would later include Jerusalem. The destruction encompassed not only human life but also their livestock and possessions, reinforcing how destructive the outcome of deep-seated sin and unrepentance can be. This echoes later scriptural teachings that sin leads to death (Romans 6:23 NASB-95), reminding us that moral compromise often culminates in significant ruin.

In *“they also set on fire all the cities which they found”* (v.48), we see the complete decimation of Benjamin’s territory. The raging conflict left little room for mercy, leaving the tribe of Benjamin on the brink of extinction (Judges 21:2–3 NASB-95). Yet, the overall biblical narrative shows that God’s plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, provides hope and restoration even after devastating losses. While this passage centers on judgment, it foreshadows a renewed unity for Israel in generations to come, and it points to the redemption Christ would bring, showing that even the severest judgments can be followed by divine compassion and grace (John 3:16 NASB-95).

This verse illustrates how unchecked sin can lead to heartbreaking destruction and near annihilation for an entire community.

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:

  • Matthew 11:20-24 meaning. Jesus rebukes the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance in light of the many miracles that He performed among them. He says that even the pagan and wicked cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom would have shown more repentance.
  • Deuteronomy 24:17-18 meaning. Moses warns Israel against perverting the justice due to the alien and the orphan, and forbids taking a widow’s garment in pledge.
  • Matthew 26:45-50 meaning. Judas’s Betrayal: Jesus awakens His disciples to inform them that Judas has betrayed Him. Judas is accompanied by an armed crowd who have been sent by the priests and elders to arrest Jesus. Judas identifies His master with a kiss.

Judges 20:48