Judges 20:29
And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
set
H7760
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם
set
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 6
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
And Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
And Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Historical Context
Ambush warfare was common in ancient hill country where terrain favored defensive positions. Israel's earlier frontal assaults against Gibeah's elevated position were tactically foolish despite numerical superiority. The new strategy using concealed forces reflected both military wisdom and divine guidance—proper consultation yields practical insight.
Questions for Reflection
- How does proper consultation with God yield not just blessing but practical wisdom for implementation?
- When has humility after failure made you receptive to strategies you previously rejected?
- What's the relationship between spiritual surrender and practical effectiveness?
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah (וַיָּשֶׂם יִשְׂרָאֵל אֹרְבִים, vayasem yisra'el orevim)—'liers in wait' (אֹרֵב, orev, ambush forces) marks strategic shift. Previously Israel attacked directly; now they employ deception mirroring Joshua's capture of Ai (Joshua 8:2-29). This demonstrates that after proper consultation, God grants both promise and strategy. Israel's new plan shows they finally sought God's wisdom, not just permission.
The ambush strategy reveals humility: after relying on superior numbers and direct assault (which failed twice), they now use cunning and coordination. This illustrates that genuine seeking of God produces not just spiritual insight but practical wisdom. When pride is broken and God is properly consulted, He provides both blessing and method. The verse marks the turning point—from presumptuous failure to humble success.