United Commentaries

Judg.17.1-21.25

These two epilogues (chs 17–18 and chs 19–21) attest that inspired but unstructured leadership cannot endure. During the relentless march toward social disintegration and civil war, the refrain, “In those days Israel had no king,” occurs four times, and “all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes” is added twice (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). The era of inspired leadership spiraled downward and culminated in chaos. Something was clearly missing.

Judg.19.1-21.25

This second epilogue (see study note on 17:1–21:25) shifts the focus from individuals to whole tribes. Beginning with the outrage in the Benjamite town of Gibeah (ch 19), which led to civil war (ch 20) and the decimation of Benjamin, and moving on to the attempt to rescue the tribe from oblivion (ch 21), the book concludes with the now-familiar refrain, in those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. This was perhaps the low point in Israel’s own remembered history; this is “what they did in Gibeah” that Hosea, 400 years later, would liken to the depths to which Ephraim had sunk (Hos 9:9; 10:9).

The way had been cleared for a transition from charismatic leadership to what might be called “covenant-charismatic kingship,” i.e., kingship that combined living under the Lord’s covenant (Deut 17:14-20) with the anointing of the Spirit for the task of ruling, as with Saul and David.

Judg.20.1

This was not the Mizpah east of the Jordan associated with Jephthah (10:17; 11:11, 29, 34), but a place in central Israel. This common name means “watchtower.”

Judg.20.3

The tribe of Benjamin had probably received the summons (19:29), so they knew that trouble was brewing.

Judg.20.5

The “troublemakers” (19:22) were leading citizens (literally lords).

planning to kill me: The death of his concubine convinced the Levite that the men of Gibeah intended his death.

Judg.20.9

The lots may have been the Urim and Thummim on the priest’s breastplate (Exod 28:30; cp. Josh 14:2; 1 Sam 14:41; Ezra 2:63).

Judg.20.12-13

Israel recognized corporate responsibility. The leading citizens of Gibeah were guilty (20:5), and all of Gibeah became an accessory to their crimes by failing to discipline them. The tribe of Benjamin, in turn, had a responsibility to bring Gibeah to justice; failing that, they all shared the guilt. Had Israel not done something about Benjamin’s sin, the guilt would then have extended to the entire nation.

Judg.20.13-17

Benjamin’s response was consistent with its independent and warlike character (cp. Gen 49:27). The tribe had justifiable confidence in the warriors for which it was famous (Judg 3:12-30; 1 Chr 12:2). Though outnumbered almost three to one, they defeated the rest of Israel twice and inflicted heavy casualties (Judg 20:18-24).

Judg.20.16

left-handed: See study note on 3:15.

The sling was of the same type as the one David used to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:40-51). The slinger buried a stone in a small pouch attached to a leather thong, then swung it around his head to gain momentum before releasing one end of the thong to shoot the missile. A slinger had the advantage of distance over a swordsman.

Judg.20.18

To go first means to lead, not necessarily to precede (Gen 49:10).

Judg.20.19-21

The three battles took place around the guilty city. Despite superior numbers and having asked the Lord for guidance, the Israelite troops facing the defenders behind their walls were soundly beaten back the first day.

Judg.20.22-23

Following a time of weeping and probably confession (cp. Josh 7) the Israelite troops received divine guidance and regained confidence.

Judg.20.24-25

A second debacle shook the confidence of the Israelites (20:26-28).

Judg.20.26-28

The pressure was building to admit defeat and go home. The activities in the presence of the Lord increased in intensity as the Israelites sought the Lord’s direction.

Judg.20.29-44

The third day’s battle followed the same strategies of deception and ambush that were used to conquer Ai (Josh 8:1-29).

Judg.20.33

Baal-tamar is an unidentified town.

Judg.20.36-48

This section gives a second account of the battle.

Judg.20.43

finally overtaking them east of Gibeah: The geography is complicated, with a further problem of possible confusion between Gibeah and nearby Geba (1 Sam 13:3–14:5; see also 1 Kgs 15:22).

Judg.20.47

the rock of Rimmon: “Rimmon” was a Benjamite personal name (2 Sam 4:2), and the place was about four miles east of Bethel. It was a stronghold, probably a cliff dwelling that protected fugitives by its inaccessibility.