Judges 20:38
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַמּוֹעֵ֗ד
Now there was an appointed sign
H4150
וְהַמּוֹעֵ֗ד
Now there was an appointed sign
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
הָיָ֛ה
H1961
הָיָ֛ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
לְאִ֥ישׁ
between the men
H376
לְאִ֥ישׁ
between the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 12
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)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
עִם
and
H5973
עִם
and
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הֶ֕רֶב
that they should make a great
H7235
הֶ֕רֶב
that they should make a great
Strong's:
H7235
Word #:
7 of 12
to increase (in whatever respect)
לְהַֽעֲלוֹתָ֛ם
rise up
H5927
לְהַֽעֲלוֹתָ֛ם
rise up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
8 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מַשְׂאַ֥ת
flame
H4864
מַשְׂאַ֥ת
flame
Strong's:
H4864
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr
הֶֽעָשָׁ֖ן
with smoke
H6227
הֶֽעָשָׁ֖ן
with smoke
Strong's:
H6227
Word #:
10 of 12
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
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 38 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame wit... 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.