Judges 20:22
And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֥ק
encouraged
H2388
וַיִּתְחַזֵּ֥ק
encouraged
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 13
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
H5971
הָעָ֖ם
And the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
2 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִ֣ישׁ
the men
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 13
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיֹּסִ֙פוּ֙
again
H3254
וַיֹּסִ֙פוּ֙
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
5 of 13
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
עָ֥רְכוּ
in array
H6186
עָ֥רְכוּ
in array
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
6 of 13
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
themselves and set their battle
H4421
מִלְחָמָ֔ה
themselves and set their battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
7 of 13
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
בַּמָּק֕וֹם
in the place
H4725
בַּמָּק֕וֹם
in the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
8 of 13
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עָ֥רְכוּ
in array
H6186
עָ֥רְכוּ
in array
Strong's:
H6186
Word #:
10 of 13
to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Historical Context
Rallying troops after devastating defeat required strong leadership. Ancient armies could disintegrate after heavy casualties as men deserted. Israel's ability to regroup shows their organizational strength and commitment to covenant justice. However, their unchanged strategy demonstrates military stubbornness that would cost another 18,000 lives (v. 25).
Questions for Reflection
- When do you respond to failure with 'try harder' rather than seeking God's correction of your approach?
- How does self-encouragement sometimes prevent the repentance God desires?
- What distinguishes godly persistence from stubborn repetition of failed strategies?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The people the men of Israel encouraged themselves (וַיִּתְחַזֵּק הָעָם אִישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל, vayithchazeq ha'am ish yisra'el)—'encouraged' (חָזַק, chazaq) means to strengthen, bolster courage. Set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day—they return to the same position and strategy that failed, merely strengthening their resolve.
This verse reveals dangerous self-reliance: they 'encourage themselves' rather than seeking God for analysis of their failure. Their response to defeat is to try harder with the same approach, returning to identical strategy and location. This demonstrates the human tendency to respond to failure with increased effort rather than repentance. Instead of asking 'Why did we fail?' and seeking God's correction, they assume the plan was right but execution was weak. Determination without discernment, courage without correction, persistence without repentance—these lead to repeated defeat.