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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 20:37 The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/20-37.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/07_Jdg_20_37.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 20:37 - Civil War Against Benjamin" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the men in ambush moved out and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew <i>themselves</i> along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the men in ambush quickly rushed upon Gibeah; the men in ambush spread out and struck the whole city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah; the men in ambush also deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah. Then the men in ambush deployed and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the men in ambush quickly rushed and attacked Gibeah; and the men in ambush also deployed and struck the entire city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men in ambush had rushed quickly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men in ambush had rushed quickly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the liers-in-wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers-in-wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The men in ambush quickly charged toward Gibeah. They spread out in the city and killed everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />These men ran quickly toward Gibeah; they spread out in the city and killed everyone there. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The soldiers in ambush rushed out to attack Gibeah, deploying in force and executing the entire city with swords. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men in ambush rushed suddenly against Gibeah; they advanced and put the whole city to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The men hiding in ambush made a mad dash to Gibeah. They attacked and put the sword to the entire city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; then the ambushers spread out, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the ambush has hurried, and pushes against Gibeah, and the ambush draws itself out, and strikes the whole of the city by the mouth of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the ambush have hasted, and push against Gibeah, and the ambush draweth itself out, and smiteth the whole of the city by the mouth of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the ambush hasted, and they will spread out against Gibeah; and the ambush will draw out and will strike all the city with the mouth of the sword.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they that were in ambush arose on a sudden out of their coverts, and whilst Benjamin turned their backs to the slayers, went into the city, and smote it with the edge of the sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And after they had risen up suddenly from hiding, and those of Benjamin had turned their backs to those who cut them down, they entered the city, and they struck it with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the men in ambush, having made a sudden dash against Gibeah, marched in and put the whole city to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The troops in ambush rushed quickly upon Gibeah. Then they put the whole city to the sword.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the men who were in ambush quietly made an attack against Gibeah; then the men in ambush moved forward and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the ambush quietly fell on Gebah and the ambush walked and struck all the city with the mouth of the sword<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the liers-in-wait hastened, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers-in-wait drew forth, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And when they retreated, then the liers in wait rose up, and they moved toward Gabaa, and the whole ambush came forth, and they smote the city with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/20-37.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=6295" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Civil War Against Benjamin</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">36</span>Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they were relying on the ambush they had set against Gibeah. <span class="reftext">37</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: wə·hā·’ō·rêḇ (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">The men in ambush</a> <a href="/hebrew/6584.htm" title="6584: way·yip̄·šə·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To strip off, make a dash, raid. A primitive root; to spread out; by analogy, to strip.">rushed</a> <a href="/hebrew/2363.htm" title="2363: hê·ḥî·šū (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to hurry; figuratively, to be eager with excitement or enjoyment.">suddenly</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1390.htm" title="1390: hag·giḇ·‘āh (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- Hill, three cities in Pal. The same as gib'ah; Gibah; the name of three places in Palestine.">Gibeah;</a> <a href="/hebrew/693.htm" title="693: hā·’ō·rêḇ (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie in wait. A primitive root; to lurk.">they</a> <a href="/hebrew/4900.htm" title="4900: way·yim·šōḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To draw, drag. A primitive root; to draw, used in a great variety of applications.">advanced</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yaḵ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and put</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the whole</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">city</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄î- (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥā·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">to the sword.</a> </span><span class="reftext">38</span>The men of Israel had arranged a signal with the men in ambush: When they sent up a great cloud of smoke from the city,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-4.htm">Joshua 8:4-8</a></span><br />with these orders: “Pay attention. You are to lie in ambush behind the city, not too far from it. All of you must be ready. / Then I and all the troops with me will advance on the city. When they come out against us as they did the first time, we will flee from them. / They will pursue us until we have drawn them away from the city, for they will say, ‘The Israelites are running away from us as they did before.’ So as we flee from them, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-12.htm">Joshua 8:12</a></span><br />Now Joshua had taken about five thousand men and set up an ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Joshua 8:19</a></span><br />and as soon as he did so, the men in ambush rose quickly from their position. They rushed forward, entered the city, captured it, and immediately set it on fire.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-23.htm">2 Samuel 5:23-25</a></span><br />So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” / So David did as the LORD had commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-9.htm">2 Samuel 10:9-10</a></span><br />When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-22.htm">2 Kings 3:22-24</a></span><br />When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” / But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-13.htm">2 Chronicles 13:13-15</a></span><br />Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. / When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, / and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22-23</a></span><br />The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36</a></span><br />Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-12.htm">Jeremiah 51:12</a></span><br />Raise a banner against the walls of Babylon; post the guard; station the watchmen; prepare the ambush. For the LORD has both devised and accomplished what He spoke against the people of Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-15.htm">Matthew 24:15-16</a></span><br />So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand), / then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Luke 21:20-21</a></span><br />But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-4.htm">Romans 11:4</a></span><br />And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the liers in wait hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.</p><p class="hdg">the liers in wait hasted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Joshua 8:19</a></b></br> And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hasted and set the city on fire.</p><p class="hdg">drew themselves along.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Exodus 19:13</a></b></br> There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether <i>it be</i> beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joshua/6-5.htm">Joshua 6:5</a></b></br> And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long <i>blast</i> with the ram's horn, <i>and</i> when ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall ascend up every man straight before him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Ambushers</a> <a href="/judges/20-32.htm">City</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-10.htm">Deployed</a> <a href="/judges/9-52.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/judges/13-10.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/joshua/10-13.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/joshua/8-19.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/judges/13-10.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/judges/18-1.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Liers</a> <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/nahum/1-8.htm">Overrunning</a> <a href="/joshua/23-5.htm">Push</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Rushed</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/judges/15-9.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/judges/20-35.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/20-33.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/judges/20-36.htm">Watchers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Ambushers</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Deployed</a> <a href="/ruth/4-8.htm">Draweth</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Haste</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Liers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-12.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/nahum/1-8.htm">Overrunning</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Push</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-11.htm">Rushed</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-32.htm">Rushing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/13-3.htm">Smiteth</a> <a href="/judges/20-45.htm">Smote</a> <a href="/ruth/3-9.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/judges/20-42.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/21-2.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/judges/20-38.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-4.htm">Watchers</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-1.htm">The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-8.htm">The decree of the assembly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-12.htm">The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The men in ambush</b><br>This phrase refers to the Israelite forces who were strategically positioned to surprise the Benjamites. Ambush tactics were common in ancient warfare, as seen in <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2</a> during the conquest of Ai. The use of ambush indicates a planned and deliberate military strategy, reflecting the Israelites' determination to execute justice on the tribe of Benjamin for their grievous sin.<p><b>rushed suddenly against Gibeah</b><br>Gibeah was a city in the territory of Benjamin, notorious for the crime against the Levite's concubine (Judges 19). The sudden rush signifies the element of surprise, crucial in ancient battles. This tactic is reminiscent of the suddenness of God's judgment, as seen in other biblical narratives, such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19).<p><b>they advanced</b><br>The advancement of the ambush party signifies the execution of a well-coordinated plan. This movement can be seen as a parallel to the spiritual advance believers are called to make against sin and injustice, as Paul describes in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, where believers are urged to put on the full armor of God.<p><b>and put the whole city to the sword</b><br>This phrase indicates the complete destruction of Gibeah, a common practice in ancient warfare to ensure total victory and prevent future retaliation. It reflects the severity of divine justice, as seen in the herem (devotion to destruction) commanded in <a href="/deuteronomy/20-16.htm">Deuteronomy 20:16-18</a>. This act also foreshadows the ultimate judgment and separation of the righteous from the wicked at the end of times, as described in <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-21</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_men_in_ambush.htm">The Men in Ambush</a></b><br>These were Israelite soldiers strategically positioned to attack the city of Gibeah. Their role was crucial in executing the plan to defeat the Benjamites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gibeah.htm">Gibeah</a></b><br>A city in the territory of Benjamin, which became the focal point of conflict due to the grievous sin committed there, leading to a civil war within Israel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_benjamites.htm">The Benjamites</a></b><br>The tribe of Benjamin, who were defending Gibeah. They were initially successful in battle but ultimately faced defeat due to the ambush.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ambush.htm">The Ambush</a></b><br>A military tactic used by the Israelites to surprise and overpower the Benjamites, demonstrating strategic planning and execution.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_civil_war.htm">The Civil War</a></b><br>The broader context of this event is a civil war within Israel, sparked by the moral and social decay exemplified by the events in Gibeah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The events leading to the battle at Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of addressing it within the community.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning_and_divine_guidance.htm">Strategic Planning and Divine Guidance</a></b><br>The successful ambush underscores the need for careful planning and reliance on God's guidance in overcoming challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_accountability.htm">Unity and Accountability</a></b><br>The civil war among the Israelites highlights the need for unity and accountability within the body of believers to prevent internal strife.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin illustrates the severe consequences of disobedience to God's laws.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_reconciliation.htm">Restoration and Reconciliation</a></b><br>Despite the conflict, the eventual reconciliation among the tribes points to the possibility of restoration through repentance and forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_20__is_there_archeological_proof.htm">Judges 20 (entire chapter) - Is there any archeological evidence supporting so great a civil war among the tribes of Israel, or are the events purely literary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_26,000_benjamites_resist_israel.htm">Judges 20:15 - How could only 26,000 men from Benjamin withstand the combined forces of Israel for so long, given the massive numerical imbalance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_judges_20_35-46_consistent_with_unity.htm">Judges 20:35-46 - Is the near-total annihilation of an entire tribe by fellow Israelites consistent with the broader biblical message of unity among God's people?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/psalm_20_7_vs._god's_battle_commands.htm">Psalm 20:7 - Does this portrayal of military reliance contradict biblical accounts where God commands battle preparations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(37) Results of the ambuscade. (Comp. <a href="/joshua/8-15.htm" title="And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.">Joshua 8:15</a>; <a href="/context/joshua/8-19.htm" title="And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand: and they entered into the city, and took it, and hurried and set the city on fire.">Joshua 8:19-20</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Drew themselves along.</span>--The marginal suggestion, <span class= "ital">made a long sound with the trumpet, </span>is untenable (See <a href="/judges/4-6.htm" title="And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said to him, Has not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?">Judges 4:6</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">With The edge of the sword.</span>--See <a href="/judges/1-8.htm" title="Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.">Judges 1:8</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-24.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Israel had made an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, and when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all the Israelites returned to Ai, and smote it with the edge of the sword.">Joshua 8:24</a>. . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/20-37.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The men in ambush</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָאֹרֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·’ō·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie in wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rushed</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּפְשְׁט֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·šə·ṭū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6584.htm">Strong's 6584: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strip off, make a dash, raid</span><br /><br /><span class="word">suddenly</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵחִ֔ישׁוּ</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḥî·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2363.htm">Strong's 2363: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gibeah;</span><br /><span class="heb">הַגִּבְעָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(hag·giḇ·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1390.htm">Strong's 1390: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gibeah -- 'hill', three cities in Palestine</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֹרֵ֔ב</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ō·rêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_693.htm">Strong's 693: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie in wait</span><br /><br /><span class="word">advanced</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמְשֹׁךְ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·šōḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4900.htm">Strong's 4900: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw, drag</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and put</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the whole</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">city</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the sword.</span><br /><span class="heb">חָֽרֶב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/20-37.htm">Judges 20:37 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/20-37.htm">OT History: Judges 20:37 The ambushers hurried and rushed on Gibeah (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/20-36.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 20:36"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 20:36" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/20-38.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 20:38"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 20:38" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>