Judges 20:14

Authorized King James Version

But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּאָֽסְפ֧וּ

H622

gathered themselves together

to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֛ן

H1144

of Benjamin

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הֶֽעָרִ֖ים

H5892

out of the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַגִּבְעָ֑תָה

H1390

unto Gibeah

gibah; the name of three places in palestine

לָצֵ֥את

H3318

to go out

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לַמִּלְחָמָ֖ה

H4421

to battle

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עִם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#10

בְּנֵ֥י

H1121

But the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

Within the broader context of Judges, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Judges.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Judges Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

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