Judges 20:41
And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.
Original Language Analysis
אִ֣ישׁ
And when the men
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
And when the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 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)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
2 of 12
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הָפַ֔ךְ
turned again
H2015
הָפַ֔ךְ
turned again
Strong's:
H2015
Word #:
3 of 12
to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert
וַיִּבָּהֵ֖ל
were amazed
H926
וַיִּבָּהֵ֖ל
were amazed
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
4 of 12
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
אִ֣ישׁ
And when the men
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
And when the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 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)
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
H1144
בִּנְיָמִ֑ן
of Benjamin
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
6 of 12
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רָאָ֔ה
for they saw
H7200
רָאָ֔ה
for they saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
8 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
9 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָגְעָ֥ה
was come
H5060
נָגְעָ֥ה
was come
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
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 41 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.... 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.