Judges 20:47

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Judges 20:47 (KJV)

Context

The book of Judges describes a difficult period in Israel’s history after Joshua’s death. The people had no central government and often turned away from God. The events in Judges 20 come from a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes. The conflict began after wicked men in Gibeah committed a terrible crime against a Levite’s concubine (Judges 19). The other tribes demanded justice, but Benjamin refused to hand over the guilty men. War followed.

In the final battle, Benjamin suffered near-total defeat. Earlier in the chapter, Benjamin had 26,700 warriors. After the battle, only six hundred men remained. These survivors turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock Rimmon, where they stayed for four months. The name Rimmon means “pomegranate.” It was a large rock formation near Gibeah, likely with caves large enough to shelter the men.

Meaning

This verse shows the severe outcome of sin. The crime in Gibeah and Benjamin’s refusal to correct it led to a war that almost destroyed an entire tribe. The six hundred survivors represent a small remnant. Their flight to Rimmon was not a victory but a desperate escape. They hid in the wilderness, cut off from their homes and families.

The four months at Rimmon mark a period of waiting and survival. The men were safe for a time, but their future was uncertain. This detail reminds us that sin brings consequences that can last for months or even years. The tribe of Benjamin was preserved, but only as a tiny remnant.

Biblical connections

Throughout Scripture, God often preserves a remnant even after judgment. In this case, the remnant of Benjamin survived because God had a purpose for the tribe. Later, Saul, the first king of Israel, came from Benjamin (1 Samuel 9:1-2). The tribe continued to exist and played a role in Israel’s history. This shows that God’s judgment is not the final word; He can bring restoration after discipline.

Application

We should learn from the consequences of sin. The actions of a few men brought suffering to many. Our choices affect not only ourselves but also our families and communities. We must take sin seriously and deal with it quickly, rather than protecting wrongdoers.

We can also trust God’s justice. He sees all wrong and will bring about fair judgment in His time. We do not need to seek revenge or take matters into our own hands. Instead, we can leave justice to God and focus on living rightly.

Finally, we can find refuge in God. The men of Benjamin hid in a rock, but we have a greater refuge in the Lord. When we face trouble or the results of our own mistakes, we can turn to Him for mercy and strength. He is a secure shelter for all who call on Him.

Reflection

Consider how sin has affected your own life or community. Are there areas where you need to seek God’s forgiveness and turn back to Him? God’s discipline is meant to correct us, not to destroy us. Even when we face hard consequences, He offers hope and a way forward. Trust Him as your refuge and let His justice and mercy shape your response to sin.