What does Judges 20:35 mean?
"And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword." - Judges 20:35
Judges 20:35 (KJV) - "And the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword."
This verse comes from the book of Judges, which is part of the historical books in the Old Testament. The book of Judges follows the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land and covers a period of time during which they were ruled by various judges, or leaders, who were raised up by God to deliver them from oppression and lead them in righteousness.
In the context of Judges 20:35, the verse recounts a battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin had committed a grave sin by protecting men who had committed a heinous crime, and the other tribes of Israel had gathered together to confront the Benjamites. This verse describes how the Lord empowered the Israelites to defeat the Benjamites in battle, causing a great number of casualties among the Benjamite warriors.
The broader context of this verse reveals several important themes and messages. One of the key themes in this passage is the concept of divine justice and judgment. Throughout the book of Judges, we see a pattern of the Israelites falling into sin and idolatry, and then facing the consequences of their actions. In this particular instance, the Benjamites had failed to uphold justice and righteousness, and the Lord allowed them to suffer the consequences of their actions at the hands of the other tribes. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God's laws and the inevitability of facing consequences for our actions.
Another important theme in this passage is the idea of God's sovereignty and power. The verse specifically attributes the victory over the Benjamites to the Lord, emphasizing that it was through His intervention and empowerment that the Israelites were able to overcome their enemies. This serves as a reminder that God is in control of all things and has the power to bring about justice and deliverance for His people.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse, particularly in the imagery of the Israelites drawing their swords. The sword is a common symbol in the Bible, often representing warfare, spiritual battle, and the word of God. In this context, the Israelites drawing their swords signifies their readiness to engage in physical battle, as well as their commitment to fighting for justice and righteousness. It also serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare that believers face, and the importance of being equipped with the word of God to stand against evil.
Overall, Judges 20:35 is a powerful and sobering verse that speaks to the themes of divine judgment, God's sovereignty, and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need to rely on God's strength and guidance in facing the battles of life. As we reflect on this passage, may we be encouraged to live in accordance with God's laws, trusting in His power to bring about justice and deliverance in our lives.
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Judges 20:35 - "And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword."
"And the LORD smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword." - Judges 20:35
Genesis 35:16-20
Lucas 20:34-35
Judges 1:35 - "But the Amorites would dwell in mount Heres in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries."
Numbers 35:24 - "Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments:"
Judges 8:35 - "Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel."
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
Exodus 35:20 - "¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses."
Judges 9:35 - "And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people that were with him, from lying in wait."
Psalms 35:20 - "For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."
Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."
Judges 20:20 - "And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah."
Numbers 35:20 - "But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;"
Ezekiel 20:35 - "And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face."
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
Psalms 35:24 - "Judge me, O LORD my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me."
Genesis 35:20 - "And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
Judges 20:27 - "And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,"
Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."
Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"
Judges 6:35 - "And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them."
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Luke 20:35 - "But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:"
1 Samuel 20:35 - "¶ And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him."
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."