Judges 20:24
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקְרְב֧וּ
came near
H7126
וַיִּקְרְב֧וּ
came near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 8
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
3 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
H1121
בְּנֵ֥י
And the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בִנְיָמִ֖ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִנְיָמִ֖ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
6 of 8
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
Historical Context
The second day's battle followed quickly after regrouping—likely less than 24 hours after the first defeat. Ancient warfare sometimes involved multi-day engagements with armies camping in proximity. Israel's continued commitment despite 22,000 casualties demonstrates both their determination to pursue covenant justice and their stubborn unwillingness to fully reassess their approach.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you confuse divine permission with divine blessing?
- When do you interpret God's allowance as approval without seeking His fuller wisdom?
- What painful lessons has God taught through consequences of plans He permitted but didn't fully bless?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day (וַיִּקְרְבוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־בְּנֵי־בִנְיָמִן בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי)—they advance again with renewed courage based on God's permission to 'go up' (v. 23). The phrase 'came near' (קָרַב, qarav) suggests approaching for battle, the same verb used for approaching God in worship—ironic given their incomplete seeking.
Israel proceeds with God's permission but without fuller counsel or promise of victory. They interpret 'go up against him' as sufficient authorization, yet the following verse reveals another devastating defeat. This teaches that divine permission doesn't always equal divine blessing. God may allow us to pursue courses of action that will teach through painful consequences. Israel's confidence in God's word 'go up' proves misplaced because they sought permission for predetermined plans rather than wisdom for right action. When we frame questions to get the answer we want rather than seeking truth we need, God may give permission that leads to correction through failure.