“And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.”
Context:The book of Judges is set in the period after Joshua’s death, when the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land. The Israelites were divided into twelve tribes, each with its own territory. Judges describes a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, marked by a cycle of disobedience, oppression by enemy nations, and deliverance by judges raised up by God. The events in Judges 20 occur during a period of civil war within the tribe of Benjamin.
Historical Background:In Judges 19, a horrific incident involving a Levite and his concubine took place in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin. The men of Gibeah committed a heinous act, resulting in the death of the concubine. The Levite then cut her body into twelve pieces and sent them to all the tribes of Israel, which sparked outrage and a desire for justice.
Seeking Justice:The tribes of Israel gathered at Mizpah to confront the tribe of Benjamin about the evil that had occurred in Gibeah. The Israelites requested that the men responsible for the crime be handed over for punishment, but the Benjamites refused to comply.
Preparation for Battle:Before engaging in battle against the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites sought the Lord’s guidance and counsel. They inquired of God which tribe should go up first, and the Lord instructed them to send Judah.
Divine Strategy:The Israelites faced defeat in their initial attempts to conquer the city of Gibeah. However, they sought the Lord’s guidance again and were instructed to set up an ambush, placing liers in wait around the city. The liers in wait were to draw the defenders out of the city and create an opportunity for the rest of the Israelite army to attack.
Victory and Judgment:Following God’s strategy, the liers in wait rushed upon Gibeah and struck the city with the edge of the sword. The ambush proved successful, and the Israelites gained the upper hand. Ultimately, the tribe of Benjamin was defeated in battle, and the city of Gibeah was destroyed.
Spiritual Lessons:
- The Consequences of Sin:The events leading up to the battle in Judges 20 demonstrate the severe consequences of sin. The wickedness and refusal to acknowledge the evil in Gibeah resulted in a civil war and great loss of life. Sin has a destructive power that not only affects individuals but also communities and nations.
- Seeking God’s Guidance:The Israelites sought the Lord’s guidance multiple times before engaging in battle. They recognised the importance of seeking divine wisdom and direction. This teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives, including decision-making and conflict resolution.
- God’s Strategy and Timing:The Israelites experienced defeat when they relied on their own strength, but when they followed God’s strategy and timing, they achieved victory. This reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His plans and timing are perfect. Trusting in God’s guidance and following His instructions can lead to success in our lives.
- The Power of Unity:The tribes of Israel united against the tribe of Benjamin to bring about justice and deliverance. The power of unity is evident throughout the Bible, and it teaches us the importance of standing together as believers, supporting and encouraging one another, especially in times of conflict or adversity.
In conclusion, Judges 20:37 reveals the account of the successful ambush and attack on the city of Gibeah as the Israelites sought justice and deliverance. The passage provides valuable lessons on the consequences of sin, seeking God’s guidance, following divine strategy, and the power of unity.
