Judges 20:24, "The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day," is a straightforward statement describing a renewed attack in a civil war within Israel. Let's break down what it means:
The children of Israel: This refers to the combined forces of the eleven tribes of Israel (excluding Benjamin). They had united to punish the tribe of Benjamin for harboring the men of Gibeah who had committed a heinous crime (the gang rape and murder of a Levite's concubine).
came near against: This phrase signifies approaching or advancing to engage in battle. It indicates that the Israelite army was preparing to fight.
the children of Benjamin: This refers to the tribe of Benjamin, who were defending themselves against the other tribes of Israel.
the second day: This specifies that this was the second day of the battle. It implies that there had been a previous engagement, and this was a continuation of the conflict.
In Summary:
The verse indicates that on the second day of the war, the Israelite army (representing eleven tribes) advanced to engage in battle against the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the ongoing nature of the conflict and the determination of the Israelites to confront Benjamin.
Context is Key:
Understanding the full context of Judges 19-21 is crucial:
1. A horrific crime occurs in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin's territory.
2. The other tribes demand that Benjamin hand over the perpetrators to be punished.
3. Benjamin refuses to comply, leading to a tribal war.
4. The first day of battle results in a significant defeat for the Israelites. This verse describes the beginning of the second day of battle, and that day also resulted in failure for the other eleven tribes. The eventual victory for the other eleven tribes involved God's intervention.
The verse is not about the justice of the Israelites' cause or the righteousness of their actions. It is a simple factual statement about the progress of the battle. Understanding the rest of the story sheds light on the reasons for this specific attack.
Judges 20:24, "The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day," is a straightforward statement describing a renewed attack in a civil war within Israel. Let's break down what it means:
The children of Israel: This refers to the combined forces of the eleven tribes of Israel (excluding Benjamin). They had united to punish the tribe of Benjamin for harboring the men of Gibeah who had committed a heinous crime (the gang rape and murder of a Levite's concubine).
came near against: This phrase signifies approaching or advancing to engage in battle. It indicates that the Israelite army was preparing to fight.
the children of Benjamin: This refers to the tribe of Benjamin, who were defending themselves against the other tribes of Israel.
the second day: This specifies that this was the second day of the battle. It implies that there had been a previous engagement, and this was a continuation of the conflict.
In Summary:
The verse indicates that on the second day of the war, the Israelite army (representing eleven tribes) advanced to engage in battle against the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the ongoing nature of the conflict and the determination of the Israelites to confront Benjamin.
Context is Key:
Understanding the full context of Judges 19-21 is crucial:
1. A horrific crime occurs in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin's territory.
2. The other tribes demand that Benjamin hand over the perpetrators to be punished.
3. Benjamin refuses to comply, leading to a tribal war.
4. The first day of battle results in a significant defeat for the Israelites. This verse describes the beginning of the second day of battle, and that day also resulted in failure for the other eleven tribes. The eventual victory for the other eleven tribes involved God's intervention.
The verse is not about the justice of the Israelites' cause or the righteousness of their actions. It is a simple factual statement about the progress of the battle. Understanding the rest of the story sheds light on the reasons for this specific attack.