“And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set during the period after Joshua’s leadership, when Israel was settling in the Promised Land. It was a time characterized by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 20 recounts the account of the Israelites’ war against the tribe of Benjamin due to the heinous crime committed by some of its members.
Context of Judges 20:45:In this verse, the Israelites have been engaged in a fierce battle with the tribe of Benjamin. The conflict arose because a Levite’s concubine was abused and killed by certain wicked men from Benjamin. The Levite cut her body into twelve pieces and sent them to all the tribes of Israel, calling for justice. As a result, the Israelites gathered together to confront the tribe of Benjamin, seeking to avenge the evil committed.
Significance of “they turned and fled”:The tribe of Benjamin had initially achieved some success in the battle against the other tribes of Israel. However, the tide turns in this verse, and the Benjamites are forced to retreat. Their flight signifies a shift in the battle’s momentum and demonstrates that God’s judgment is coming upon them.
Symbolism of “the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon”:The fleeing Benjamites sought refuge in the wilderness near the rock of Rimmon. The wilderness often symbolizes desolation, emptiness, and a place of testing in the Bible. Rimmon, which means “pomegranate,” may refer to a specific location or a landmark. This phrase highlights that the Benjamites were seeking shelter in a barren and remote place, hoping to escape the consequences of their actions.
Gleaning “five thousand men” and pursuing “unto Gidom”:The other tribes of Israel did not let the Benjamites escape easily. They pursued them relentlessly and were able to glean five thousand Benjamite men along the highways. The pursuit continued until they reached Gidom, where they defeated and killed another two thousand Benjamites. This illustrates the determination of the Israelites to carry out justice and hold the tribe of Benjamin accountable for their crime.
Lessons from Judges 20:45:
- Accountability for sin:The account in Judges 20 demonstrates the seriousness of sin and the need for accountability. The actions of a few individuals from the tribe of Benjamin led to a devastating war, causing great suffering among God’s people.
- The consequences of disobedience:The tribe of Benjamin suffered the consequences of tolerating evil within their midst. It serves as a reminder that allowing sin to go unchecked can bring severe repercussions upon an entire community.
- God’s justice and deliverance:Throughout the book of Judges, God raised up leaders to deliver His people when they cried out to Him. In this account, God ensured that justice was served by granting victory to the other tribes of Israel.
Application:As believers, we can draw several applications from this passage:
- Upholding justice:We should actively pursue justice and righteousness in our communities, standing against evil and advocating for those who have been wronged.
- Addressing sin within the Church:We must address and confront sin within the Church to maintain its purity and prevent its influence from spreading.
- Trusting in God’s justice:Just as God ensured justice in the account of Judges, we can trust in His ultimate justice and deliverance in our lives and in the world, knowing that He will bring about righteousness in His time.
Remember to read the entire context of Judges 20 to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this passage and its implications within the larger narrative of the book.
