Judges 20:37
And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
Original Language Analysis
הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ
hasted
H2363
הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ
hasted
Strong's:
H2363
Word #:
2 of 13
to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment
וַֽיִּפְשְׁט֖וּ
and rushed
H6584
וַֽיִּפְשְׁט֖וּ
and rushed
Strong's:
H6584
Word #:
3 of 13
to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)
הַגִּבְעָ֑ה
upon Gibeah
H1390
הַגִּבְעָ֑ה
upon Gibeah
Strong's:
H1390
Word #:
5 of 13
gibah; the name of three places in palestine
וַיִּמְשֹׁךְ֙
drew themselves along
H4900
וַיִּמְשֹׁךְ֙
drew themselves along
Strong's:
H4900
Word #:
6 of 13
to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
and smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעִ֖יר
all the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
all the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
11 of 13
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
Historical Context
This verse describes the thorough nature of Benjamin's military defeat and the subsequent destruction of their tribal territory following the ambush strategy blessed by God after Israel's proper consultation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do victories that come after proper seeking of God still carry tragic costs?
- What does this reveal about the consequences of civil conflict among God's people?
- How can righteous judgments escalate beyond their proper scope?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Verse 37 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the cit... The systematic destruction of Benjamin's territory represents the tragic outcome when civil war erupts among God's people—victory comes at devastating cost to the covenant community.