What does Judges 20:38 mean?
"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." - Judges 20:38
The Bible verse Judges 20:38 in the King James Version (KJV) reads: "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."
To fully understand the meaning and context of this verse, it is important to look at the surrounding verses and the historical background of the Book of Judges. The Book of Judges is part of the historical books in the Old Testament and covers the period from the death of Joshua to the rise of Samuel, a time of political and moral chaos in Israel. The book records the cycle of sin, repentance, and deliverance through the judges that God raised up to rescue the Israelites from their oppressors.
In the preceding verses of Judges 20, we learn about a civil war that breaks out between the Israelites over a grievous sin committed in the city of Gibeah. The tribe of Benjamin, to which the offenders belonged, refuses to hand them over to face justice. As a result, the other tribes of Israel gather to address the situation, and ultimately, a battle ensues between the two sides.
In verse 38, we see the aftermath of the battle, where the men of Israel devise a plan to defeat the men of Benjamin who had taken to the hills and were waiting to ambush their enemies. This plan involved creating a great flame and smoke rising out of the city as a signal for the Israelite warriors to counterattack and defeat the Benjamites.
The symbolism and themes in this verse are significant. The appointed sign and the use of fire and smoke as a signal are reminiscent of God's presence and intervention in the affairs of His people throughout the Bible. Fire and smoke often represent the presence of God, his power, purification, and judgment. In this context, the rising flame and smoke serve as a symbol of divine intervention and guidance for the Israelites in the midst of their conflict with the tribe of Benjamin.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the importance of strategic planning and unity among the Israelites. The men of Israel were able to come together and devise a plan to defeat their enemies, demonstrating the value of unity and cooperation in achieving their collective goals. This theme of unity is a recurring motif in the Bible, as God often calls His people to stand together in faith and purpose.
The historical context of this verse also sheds light on the moral and ethical challenges faced by the Israelites during this period. The civil war and the events leading up to it illustrate the consequences of sin and the need for justice and accountability within the community. The Israelites were dealing with issues of moral decay and societal breakdown, and the subsequent conflict serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting discord and chaos that can arise.
In conclusion, Judges 20:38 is a verse that carries deep symbolism and themes of divine intervention, unity, and ethical accountability. It offers valuable insights into the historical challenges and struggles faced by the Israelites, while also conveying timeless truths about the nature of God's guidance and the importance of righteousness and unity in the community. As modern-day readers, we can draw inspiration from the lessons found in this verse and apply them to our own lives, seeking unity, justice, and divine guidance in the face of conflict and moral challenges.
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Judges 20:38 - "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."
"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." - Judges 20:38
Ezekiel 16:38 - "And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy."
Judges 6:38 - "And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water."
Luke 20:38 - "For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him."
Exodus 38:20 - "And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass."
Judges 11:38 - "And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains."
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
Luke 20:27-38. All people of color.
Psalms 38:20 - "They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is."
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."
Job 38:20 - "That thou shouldest take it to the bound thereof, and that thou shouldest know the paths to the house thereof?"
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."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
1 Kings 20:38 - "So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face."
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:"
Genesis 38:20 - "And Judah sent the kid by the hand of his friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from the woman's hand: but he found her not."
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."
Acts 20:38 - "Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship."
"And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy." - Ezekiel 16:38
"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years." - Judges 15:20
Isaiah 38:20 - "The LORD was ready to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD."
1 Samuel 20:38 - "And Jonathan cried after the lad, Make speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master."