Judges 20:39

Judges 20:39 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.”

King James Version KJV

And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.

American Standard Version ASV

And the men of Israel turned in the battle, and Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons; for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The men of Israel were to make a turn about in the fight. And Benjamin had overcome and put to death about thirty of the men of Israel, and were saying, Certainly they are falling back before us as in the first fight.

Free Bible Version FBV

The Israelite army turned to attack the Benjamites, who had already killed about thirty Israelites. The Benjamites were saying, “We're completely defeating them, just like the first battle!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when the men of Israel retired in the battel, Beniamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirtie persons: for they said, Surely they are striken downe before vs, as in the first battell.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the men of Israel turn in battle, and Benjamin hath begun to smite the wounded among the men of Israel, about thirty men, for they said, 'Surely they are utterly smitten before us, as [at] the first battle;

World English Bible WEB

The men of Israel turned in the battle, and Benjamin began to strike and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons; for they said, “Surely they are struck down before us, as in the first battle.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when the children of Israel saw this in the battle (for the children of Benjamin thought they fled and pursued them vigorously, killing thirty men of their army)

Translation for Translators T4T

By that time, the men of the tribe of Benjamin said, “We are winning the battle, as we did before!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 20:39

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 20:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יַּהֲפֹ֥ךְ אִֽישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה וּ/בִנְיָמִ֡ן הֵחֵל֩ לְ/הַכּ֨וֹת חֲלָלִ֤ים בְּ/אִֽישׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים אִ֔ישׁ כִּ֣י אָמְר֔וּ אַךְ֩ נִגּ֨וֹף נִגָּ֥ף הוּא֙ לְ/פָנֵ֔י/נוּ כַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה הָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה

וַ/יַּהֲפֹ֥ךְ hâphak H2015 to overturn Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

וּ/בִנְיָמִ֡ן Binyâmîyn H1144 Benjamin Conj | N-proper

הֵחֵל֩ châlal H2490 to bore V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

לְ/הַכּ֨וֹת nâkâh H5221 to smite Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

חֲלָלִ֤ים châlâl H2491 slain Adj

בְּ/אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Prep | N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Prep | Adj

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

אָמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3cp

אַךְ֩ ʼak H389 surely DirObjM

נִגּ֨וֹף nâgaph H5062 to strike V-Niphal-Ptc

נִגָּ֥ף nâgaph H5062 to strike V-Niphal

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron

לְ/פָנֵ֔י/נוּ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

כַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 battle Prep | N-fs

הָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 20:39

וַ/יַּהֲפֹ֥ךְ hâphak H2015 "to overturn" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To overturn means to turn something around or change it completely, often implying a reversal or transformation. This can be seen in the Bible when something is turned upside down or changed radically.

Definition: 1) to turn, overthrow, overturn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to overturn, overthrow 1a2) to turn, turn about, turn over, turn around 1a3) to change, transform 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, turn, turn back 1b2) to change oneself 1b3) to be perverse 1b4) to be turned, be turned over, be changed, be turned against 1b5) to be reversed 1b6) to be overturned, be overthrown 1b7) to be upturned 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to transform oneself 1c2) to turn this way and that, turn every way 1d) (Hophal) to turn on someone

Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] become, change, come, be converted, give, make (a bed), overthrow (-turn), perverse, retire, tumble, turn (again, aside, back, to the contrary, every way). See also: Genesis 3:24; Job 30:15; Psalms 30:12.

אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

בַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֑ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

וּ/בִנְיָמִ֡ן Binyâmîyn H1144 "Benjamin" Conj | N-proper

Benjamin means son of the right hand, referring to the youngest son of Jacob and the tribe that descended from him. The term is first used in Genesis 35:18. Benjamin was a brother of Joseph and a half-brother of Reuben and others.

Definition: § Benjamin = "son of the right hand" a gate in Jerusalem

Usage: Occurs in 160 OT verses. KJV: Benjamin. See also: Genesis 35:18; 1 Samuel 9:21; Psalms 68:28.

הֵחֵל֩ châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.

Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.

לְ/הַכּ֨וֹת nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

חֲלָלִ֤ים châlâl H2491 "slain" Adj

This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.

Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)

Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.

בְּ/אִֽישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Prep | N-ms

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

כִּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Prep | Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אָמְר֔וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

אַךְ֩ ʼak H389 "surely" DirObjM

This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.

Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.

נִגּ֨וֹף nâgaph H5062 "to strike" V-Niphal-Ptc

To strike or smite is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in Joshua to describe battles and in Psalms to describe God's judgment. It can also mean to stumble or hurt someone, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.

נִגָּ֥ף nâgaph H5062 "to strike" V-Niphal

Definition: 1) to strike, smite 1a) (Qal) to strike, smite 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be smitten 1c) (Hithpael) to stumble

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beat, dash, hurt, plague, slay, smite (down), strike, stumble, [idiom] surely, put to the worse. See also: Exodus 7:27; 2 Samuel 10:15; Psalms 89:24.

הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

לְ/פָנֵ֔י/נוּ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

כַּ/מִּלְחָמָ֖ה milchâmâh H4421 "battle" Prep | N-fs

This word means battle or war, describing a fight or conflict. It is used in the Bible to talk about wars and battles, like the ones in the book of Joshua. The KJV translates it as battle or fight.

Definition: battle, war

Usage: Occurs in 308 OT verses. KJV: battle, fight(-ing), war(-rior). See also: Genesis 14:2; 1 Samuel 30:24; 2 Chronicles 13:14.

הָ/רִאשֹׁנָֽה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

Study Notes — Judges 20:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 20:39 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:39
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:39
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:39
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:39
Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:39

Context — Civil War against Benjamin

37The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword. 38The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,

39the men of Israel would turn in the battle. When the Benjamites had begun to strike them down, killing about thirty men of Israel, they said, “They are defeated before us as in the first battle.”

40But when the column of smoke began to go up from the city, the Benjamites looked behind them and saw the whole city going up in smoke. 41Then the men of Israel turned back on them, and the men of Benjamin were terrified when they realized that disaster had come upon them.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 20:32	“We are defeating them as before,” said the Benjamites. But the Israelites said, “Let us retreat and draw them away from the city onto the roads.”

Judges 20:39 Summary

This verse shows how the Benjamites thought they were winning the battle because they had killed some of the Israelites, but they were actually about to be defeated. It's like when we think we're doing well, but really we're not, as warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12. The Israelites had a clever plan to defeat the Benjamites, and we can learn from their example to seek God's guidance in our lives, just like it says in Proverbs 24:6. By trusting in God and being humble, we can avoid the kind of pride and deception that led to the Benjamites' downfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Benjamites think they were winning the battle in Judges 20:39?

The Benjamites thought they were winning because they had begun to strike down the men of Israel, killing about thirty of them, which led them to believe they were victorious just like in the first battle, as mentioned in Judges 20:21 (Judges 20:21).

What was the turning point in the battle according to Judges 20:39?

The turning point in the battle was not explicitly mentioned in Judges 20:39, but according to the surrounding context, specifically Judges 20:38 and Judges 20:40, it was when the men in ambush sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city, signaling the men of Israel to turn back on the Benjamites.

How does this verse relate to the concept of pride and deception in the Bible?

This verse illustrates how pride and deception can lead to downfall, as the Benjamites were deceived into thinking they were winning, much like the warning in Proverbs 16:18, which says that pride goes before destruction, and in 1 Corinthians 10:12, which warns against becoming complacent and falling into temptation.

What can we learn from the Israelites' strategy in this battle?

The Israelites' strategy, as seen in Judges 20:38, demonstrates the importance of clever planning and seeking guidance from God, as encouraged in Proverbs 24:6 and Jeremiah 29:13, which emphasize the value of seeking wisdom and counsel from the Lord.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I might be deceived into thinking I am 'winning' in my own life, only to find out that I am actually losing?
How can I apply the lesson of the Benjamites' pride and deception to my own life and relationships?
In what ways can I seek God's guidance and wisdom in my decision-making, just like the Israelites did in this battle?
What does this verse teach me about the dangers of underestimating or overestimating my enemies, whether they be spiritual or physical?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 20:39

And when the men of Israel retired in the battle,.... Which is before expressed by their fleeing, and giving place to the Benjaminites, and was only an artifice of theirs, to draw them off from the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 20:39

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 20:39

Judges 20:39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite [and] kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as [in] the first battle.Ver. 39. Benjamin began to smite.] See Judges 20:31.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 20:39

(39) And when the men of Israel retired.—This merely repeats with more graphic details the fact already mentioned in Judges 20:31. The “when” should be omitted, and from “Benjamin began” to the end of the next verse is parenthetic.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 20:39

39. And the men of Israel turned] The turn, however, does not come properly till Judges 20:41. Read with a slight change and that the men of I. should turn, as part of the appointed sign; Judges 20:38 will then end with in the battle. The marg. may thus be disregarded. and Benjamin etc.] A parallel version of Jdg 20:31-32.

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