Judges 20:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Judges 20:16
16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
Chapter Context
Judges 20 is a cyclical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, worship, righteousness. Written during the pre-monarchic period (c. 1375-1050 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Without central leadership, Israel faced constant threats from surrounding peoples like the Philistines and Midianites.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-48: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Judges and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Judges 20:16
16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
Analysis
Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded (אִטֵּר יַד־יְמִינוֹ, itter yad-yemino, literally 'restricted in his right hand')—whether naturally left-handed or trained ambidextrously, these 700 represented elite specialists. Every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss (קֹלֵעַ בָּאֶבֶן אֶל־הַשַּׂעֲרָה וְלֹא יַחֲטִא, qole'a ba'even el-hassa'arah velo yachati)—extraordinary accuracy: hitting a hair's breadth without missing. The verb 'miss' (חָטָא, chata) is the standard Hebrew term for 'sin,' creating a wordplay: they never 'miss' their targets, yet they're fighting for those who 'sinned' catastrophically.
The irony is profound: Benjamin's military excellence contrasts with their moral bankruptcy. Their elite troops display remarkable skill defending remarkable evil. This demonstrates that competence, discipline, courage, and skill are morally neutral—they can serve either righteousness or wickedness. Benjamin's 700 left-handed slingers recall another Benjamite, Ehud the left-handed judge who delivered Israel (3:15-30), but here the comparison highlights decline. Where Ehud used his skill to free Israel from oppression, these slingers use their skill to defend rapists and oppose covenant justice. The verse warns that talent without righteousness, skill without wisdom, and courage without truth ultimately serve evil. Their accuracy in slinging stones matches their accuracy in missing moral truth.
Historical Context
Left-handedness held special significance in Benjamin's tribe (the name 'Benjamin' means 'son of the right hand'). Judges 3:15 identifies Ehud as 'a Benjamite, a man lefthanded.' Ancient slingers were formidable warriors—skilled slingers could achieve velocities over 100 mph and accurately hit targets beyond bow range. David's later victory over Goliath with a sling (1 Samuel 17:49) demonstrates the weapon's lethality. Benjamin's 700 left-handed slingers represented an elite special forces unit.
Reflection
- How do you use your talents, skills, and competencies—in service of righteousness or to defend wrong?
- What does it mean that courage, discipline, and skill are morally neutral and must be directed by wisdom?
- Where are you displaying remarkable competence while defending remarkable evil?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Judges 3:15, 1 Chronicles 12:2