Judges 20:29-21:25

Judges 20:29-21:25

As God had promised, Israel was victorious over Benjamin the next day, but that does not mean that it was an easy battle. Israel knew going into battle that they would come out victorious, but they also knew that Benjamin would be tough. So they developed a complex strategy that involved two different fronts in battle, one against Benjamin and one against Gibeah. Both attacks were a success, and by the time the people of Benjamin realized that they were defeated, they also realized that they had no place to retreat for Gibeah had been destroyed as well. In the end, their defeat was their punishment for defending the sinful actions of the men of Gibeah.


Israel went into battle knowing the battle was won, but they still had to fight. They knew God was in control and would give them victory, but they also knew that they had to physically fight the battle. In the same way, we know that Satan has been defeated and that God has won that battle as well. Yet we still have to fight against Satan and his demons today. We cannot sit on the sidelines and do nothing for although victory is sure to come, the battle is not yet over. There are still people to reach all across the world, and we must get into the battle so that we can share the gospel with all those who are out there that still need to hear it.

After the battle, Israel found itself in a tough position, not knowing what to do with Benjamin. If Benjamin was left alone after the battle, they would eventually die off, leaving only 11 tribes in Israel. Israel was concerned about this possibility, so they sought advice on what to do about the tribe of Benjamin. Having made an oath to God that they would not give their wives to Benjamin because of the corruption in that tribe, they did not know how to assure Benjamin’s longevity. They then realized that a certain clan had not sent men to join Israel in the war against Benjamin. People from every part of Israel had been involved in this effort except for the people of Jabesh-gilead. So Israel decided that the women of that city would be given over to Benjamin in order to assure Benjamin’s future.

What was left of Benjamin accepted Israel’s suggestions and did as they were told. They were able to rebuild their cities and start life again. The rest of the tribes of Israel were also able to return to their homes and start again as well. Israel had come off of quite a spiritual high. They were a unified nation once again that had gone to God for direction. They then trusted God’s leadership and did exactly as they were told. They had success over their brothers and in the end were able to be restored to their brothers in Benjamin. All in all it seemed as if Israel was back on track; however, the final verse of the book of Judges does not end in hope. Although everything seemed to be going well, the book ends by saying that they continued to do what seemed right in their own eyes. This was the same problem that had plagued Samson, Micah, the Levite, and the men of Gibeah. May we never choose to do what is right in our own eyes; instead, we must choose to follow God.

Matt