Judges 20:43
Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
Original Language Analysis
כִּתְּר֤וּ
Thus they inclosed
H3803
כִּתְּר֤וּ
Thus they inclosed
Strong's:
H3803
Word #:
1 of 11
to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בִּנְיָמִן֙
H1144
בִּנְיָמִן֙
Strong's:
H1144
Word #:
3 of 11
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
הִרְדִיפֻ֔הוּ
and chased
H7291
הִרְדִיפֻ֔הוּ
and chased
Strong's:
H7291
Word #:
4 of 11
to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)
מְנוּחָ֖ה
with ease
H4496
מְנוּחָ֖ה
with ease
Strong's:
H4496
Word #:
5 of 11
repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode
הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ
them and trode them down
H1869
הִדְרִיכֻ֑הוּ
them and trode them down
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
6 of 11
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
עַ֛ד
H5704
עַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נֹ֥כַח
over against
H5227
נֹ֥כַח
over against
Strong's:
H5227
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, the front part; used adverbially (especially with preposition), opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf of
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 43 details the aftermath of Benjamin's defeat. Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward... 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.