Judges 20:16 - Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed. Every one of them could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.

Generated Verse: Judges 20:16

What does "Judges 20:16" mean?


This verse from Judges 20:16 describes a highly skilled group of soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin:

"Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed": This indicates that out of a larger army, 700 were specifically selected for their left-handedness. In ancient warfare, right-handedness was far more common, and weapons and formations were designed accordingly. Left-handed warriors could have had a surprise element on the battlefield.

"Every one of them could sling a stone at a hair and not miss": This highlights their exceptional accuracy with slings. The sling was a simple but effective weapon, and these men were masters of it. Hitting a target as small as a hair demonstrates extraordinary precision and skill.

In essence, the verse emphasizes the following:

Specialization: These soldiers were chosen for their unique skill.
Exceptional Skill: Their accuracy with slings was remarkable, bordering on legendary.
Military Advantage: Their left-handedness and accuracy could have given them a tactical advantage in battle.

The verse serves to underscore the formidable nature of the Benjamite army in the context of the narrative in the Book of Judges. These skilled slingers were a force to be reckoned with.

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