Judges 20:36 - So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck; for the men of Israel yielded to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah.

Generated Verse: Judges 20:36

What does "Judges 20:36" mean?


This verse from Judges 20:36 describes a crucial turning point in the battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. Let's break it down:

"So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck..." This means the Benjaminite army realized they were losing the battle. They were taking casualties and being pushed back.

"...for the men of Israel yielded to Benjamin..." This is a deliberate tactical maneuver. The main Israelite army appeared to be retreating or giving ground to the Benjaminites. This was designed to lure the Benjaminites out of their fortified position (Gibeah) and into a more vulnerable position.

"...because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah." This is the key to understanding the Israelite strategy. The Israelites had secretly positioned a group of soldiers in ambush around Gibeah. The "yielding" was a calculated act of feigned defeat, meant to draw the Benjaminites out of Gibeah. The Benjaminites felt confident because they thought they were winning, and also because they didn't realize they were about to be attacked from behind by the ambushers.

In essence, the verse explains that the Benjaminites were lulled into a false sense of security and pursued the Israelites, falling into the trap set by the ambushers. The Israelites intentionally made it look like they were losing to entice the Benjaminites to leave their fortified city, where they would be at a disadvantage against the hidden Israelite force. The success of this plan then led to the ultimate defeat of Benjamin.