“And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.”
Context:Judges 20 tells the story of a severe conflict that arose between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. The conflict began as a result of a wicked act committed by certain men from the tribe of Benjamin. They had raped and killed a Levite’s concubine, leading to outrage among the Israelites. The Levite cut up his concubine’s body and sent the pieces to all the tribes of Israel, which provoked them to take action.
The Battle Commences:In Judges 20:14-21, the tribes of Israel gathered together to confront the tribe of Benjamin regarding the terrible deed committed. However, the Benjamites refused to hand over the wicked men responsible for the crime. As a result, the Israelites prepared for battle, seeking justice for the injustice done.
The First Day of Battle:On the first day, the Israelites fought against the Benjamites but suffered a defeat. The Benjamites, known for their fighting skills, killed 22,000 Israelite soldiers (Judges 20:21). This unexpected setback further fueled the Israelites’ determination to seek justice.
Seeking Divine Guidance:The Israelites sought guidance from the Lord through prayer and offerings. They inquired of God who should go up first against the Benjamites. The Lord directed them to go into battle again.
The Second Day of Battle:On the second day, the Israelites once again engaged in battle against the tribe of Benjamin, led by their respective tribes. This time, the Israelites were granted victory, and they defeated the Benjamites, killing 18,000 of their men (Judges 20:25).
Lessons and Application:
- The Consequences of Sin:The tragic event that led to the conflict was a result of the wickedness and depravity within the tribe of Benjamin. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences and can lead to great harm and strife. We must be vigilant in upholding righteousness and be aware of the consequences of our actions.
- The Importance of Seeking God’s Guidance:The Israelites sought God’s guidance before engaging in battle. They acknowledged the need for divine intervention and relied on the Lord for direction. Similarly, in our lives, seeking God’s guidance through prayer and consulting His Word is crucial in making wise decisions and facing challenges.
- The Persistence of Righteousness:Despite suffering a defeat, the Israelites did not give up but persisted in seeking justice and confronting the evil committed. As followers of God, we should not be discouraged by setbacks or failures but continue to pursue righteousness, even when faced with opposition or difficulties.
- The Power of Unity:The other tribes of Israel stood together against the tribe of Benjamin, demonstrating the strength of unity. When God’s people unite with a common purpose and goal, there is a greater chance for victory. As the body of Christ, we should strive for unity, supporting and encouraging one another in times of conflict or adversity.
In summary, Judges 20:25 portrays the second day of battle between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The victory of the Israelites on this day serves as a testament to the consequences of sin, the importance of seeking God’s guidance, the persistence of righteousness, and the power of unity.
