Judges 20
AOSNJudges 20:1
This Mizpah was not the one east of the Jordan linked to Jephthah (Judges 10:17; 11:11, 29, 34). It was a place in central Israel. The name means “watchtower.”
Judges 20:3
The tribe of Benjamin likely got the message (Judges 19:29), so they knew trouble was coming.
Judges 20:5
The "wicked men" (Judges 19:22) were important citizens (literally lords).
They intended to kill me: The Levite believed the men of Gibeah wanted to kill him after they killed his concubine.
Judges 20:9
The lots might have been the Urim and Thummim on the priest's breastplate (Exodus 28:30; compare Joshua 14:2; 1 Samuel 14:41; Ezra 2:63).
Judges 20:12-13
Israel acknowledged corporate responsibility. The leading citizens of Gibeah were guilty (Judges 20:5), and all of Gibeah became involved in their crimes by not disciplining them. The tribe of Benjamin had a responsibility to bring Gibeah to justice; by failing to do so, they all shared the guilt. If Israel had not addressed Benjamin’s wrongdoing, the guilt would have extended to the entire nation.
Judges 20:13-17
Benjamin's response matched its independent and warlike nature (compare Genesis 49:27). The tribe had strong confidence in its famous warriors (Judges 3:12–30; 1 Chronicles 12:2). Although outnumbered nearly three to one, they defeated the rest of Israel twice and caused many casualties (Judges 20:18–24).
Judges 20:16
left-handeders: See study note on Judges 3:15.
The sling was like the one David used to kill Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40–51). The slinger placed a stone in a small pouch attached to a leather strap. He swung it around his head to build speed, then released one end to launch the stone. A slinger could attack from a distance, unlike a swordsman.
Judges 20:18
To go first means to lead, but not always to come before (Genesis 49:10).
Judges 20:19-21
The three battles occurred near the city. Despite having more troops and seeking guidance from the Lord, the Israelites were defeated by the defenders on the first day.
Judges 20:22-23
After a period of weeping and likely confession (see Joshua 7), the Israelite troops received divine guidance and regained confidence.
Judges 20:24-25
A second disaster shook the Israelites' confidence (Judges 20:26–28).
Judges 20:26-28
The pressure to admit defeat and return home was growing. The Israelites intensified their activities in the Lord's presence, seeking his guidance.
Judges 20:29-44
On the third day, they used similar tricks and surprise attacks as when they took over Ai (Joshua 8:1–29).
Judges 20:33
Baal-tamar is a town that has not been identified.
Judges 20:36-48
This section provides another description of the battle.
Judges 20:43
overtook them in the vicinity of Gibeah on the east: The geography is complex. There may be confusion between Gibeah and nearby Geba (1 Samuel 13:3–14:5; see also 1 Kings 15:22).
Judges 20:47
the rock of Rimmon: "Rimmon" was a personal name from the tribe of Benjamin (2 Samuel 4:2). The place was about four miles east of Bethel. It was a stronghold, likely a cliff dwelling, that protected fugitives because it was hard to reach.
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.