Judges 20:40
But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַמַּשְׂאֵ֗ת
But when the flame
H4864
וְהַמַּשְׂאֵ֗ת
But when the flame
Strong's:
H4864
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr
הֵחֵ֛לָּה
began
H2490
הֵחֵ֛לָּה
began
Strong's:
H2490
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
עָלָ֥ה
ascended up
H5927
עָלָ֥ה
ascended up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
3 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
4 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֖יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
5 of 15
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
עַמּ֣וּד
with a pillar
H5982
עַמּ֣וּד
with a pillar
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
6 of 15
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
עָשָׁ֑ן
of smoke
H6227
עָשָׁ֑ן
of smoke
Strong's:
H6227
Word #:
7 of 15
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
וַיִּ֤פֶן
looked
H6437
וַיִּ֤פֶן
looked
Strong's:
H6437
Word #:
8 of 15
to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc
בִּנְיָמִן֙
H1144
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
9 of 15
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
behind
H310
אַֽחֲרָ֔יו
behind
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
עָלָ֥ה
ascended up
H5927
עָלָ֥ה
ascended up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
12 of 15
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
כְלִיל
them and behold the flame
H3632
כְלִיל
them and behold the flame
Strong's:
H3632
Word #:
13 of 15
complete; as noun, the whole (specifically, a sacrifice entirely consumed); as adverb, fully
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 40 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, beh... 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.