“Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period of Israel’s history when the land was governed by judges, who were raised up by God to deliver the Israelites from their oppressors. In Judges 20, we find the account of a devastating civil war that arose between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of the Israelite tribes.
Setting the scene:The Israelites had gathered together as one united army to confront the tribe of Benjamin, who had committed a heinous crime by protecting men who were guilty of a terrible act of sexual violence. The rest of the tribes demanded justice, but the tribe of Benjamin refused to hand over the offenders.
The appointed sign:In the midst of the battle, the men of Israel devised a plan to gain an advantage over the tribe of Benjamin. They appointed a sign to coordinate their attack. The sign involved creating a great flame with smoke rising up out of the city where the Benjamites had taken refuge.
Symbolism of the sign:The purpose of the sign was to confuse the Benjamites and create chaos among them. The rising smoke would make it difficult for them to see clearly, giving the Israelites an opportunity to launch a surprise attack. The smoke may also have served as a signal to the Israelite forces that it was time to strike.
Strategic planning:This sign demonstrates the strategic thinking and unity among the men of Israel. They employed a tactical approach to gain an advantage in the battle. It also highlights their determination to bring justice and punish those who had committed such a grave offense.
Lessons and applications:
- Unity and coordination:The story emphasizes the importance of unity and coordination among God’s people. When the Israelites joined together as one, they were able to accomplish great things. Similarly, in the church today, unity and collaboration among believers are crucial for achieving God’s purposes.
- Strategy and planning:The men of Israel exhibited strategic thinking in devising a plan to defeat their opponents. This teaches us the value of careful planning and wise decision-making in both spiritual and practical matters. Seeking God’s guidance and thinking strategically can lead to successful outcomes.
- Pursuit of justice:The Israelites were determined to bring justice to the offenders and were willing to fight for it. As followers of God, we should also have a passion for justice, defending the weak, and standing against injustice. We can work towards justice through prayer, advocacy, and supporting organizations that fight against various forms of injustice.
- Trusting God in battle:While the text doesn’t explicitly mention God’s involvement in the battle, it reminds us that God can use various means to accomplish His purposes. The Israelites’ trust in God and reliance on His guidance would have been essential during this difficult time. We should also trust in God’s wisdom and guidance in the battles we face, knowing that He is with us.
Overall, Judges 20:38 portrays a significant moment in the civil war between the tribes of Israel. It highlights the strategic thinking and unity of the men of Israel and teaches us valuable lessons about unity, planning, pursuing justice, and trusting in God’s guidance.
