Judges 20:40 - But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and behold, the whole city went up in smoke to the sky.
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What does "Judges 20:40" mean?
This verse from Judges 20:40 describes a pivotal moment in the battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. Let's break it down:
"But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke...": This refers to the city of Gibeah, the Benjamite city at the center of the conflict. The "pillar of smoke" is a clear sign that the city is on fire. It was likely a pre-arranged signal.
"...the Benjamites looked behind them...": The Benjamites were likely engaged in battle elsewhere, possibly lured away from Gibeah as part of a strategic plan.
"...and behold, the whole city went up in smoke to the sky.": This is the key part. It signifies the utter destruction of Gibeah. The city is not just smoldering; it's being consumed by flames, and the smoke is rising high into the air, visible from a distance.
Meaning and Significance
1. Decisive Turning Point: The sight of their city being destroyed would have been devastating for the Benjamites. It would have been a major blow to their morale and a clear indication that they were losing the battle.
2. Divine Judgment (Implied): The Israelites believed they were acting with God's approval in punishing the Benjamites for the wickedness that had occurred in Gibeah (the gang rape and murder of the Levite's concubine). The burning city could be interpreted as a sign of God's judgment on Benjamin's sin.
3. Total Defeat: The image of the entire city going up in smoke emphasizes the completeness of the Israelite victory. It's a picture of devastation and the utter collapse of Benjamite power.
4. Strategic Signal: The smoke may have been a prearranged signal to the Israelite forces that the ambush had succeeded, and that they should press their attack on the demoralized Benjamite warriors.
In Summary
Judges 20:40 depicts the moment the Benjamites realize the battle is lost. The sight of their burning city signifies their defeat, the potential divine judgment, and the utter destruction of their power base. It marks a turning point in the narrative, leading to the near-annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin.
Judges 20:40 - But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and behold, the whole city went up in smoke to the sky.
What does "Judges 20:40" mean?
This verse from Judges 20:40 describes a pivotal moment in the battle between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. Let's break it down:
"But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke...": This refers to the city of Gibeah, the Benjamite city at the center of the conflict. The "pillar of smoke" is a clear sign that the city is on fire. It was likely a pre-arranged signal.
"...the Benjamites looked behind them...": The Benjamites were likely engaged in battle elsewhere, possibly lured away from Gibeah as part of a strategic plan.
"...and behold, the whole city went up in smoke to the sky.": This is the key part. It signifies the utter destruction of Gibeah. The city is not just smoldering; it's being consumed by flames, and the smoke is rising high into the air, visible from a distance.
Meaning and Significance
1. Decisive Turning Point: The sight of their city being destroyed would have been devastating for the Benjamites. It would have been a major blow to their morale and a clear indication that they were losing the battle.
2. Divine Judgment (Implied): The Israelites believed they were acting with God's approval in punishing the Benjamites for the wickedness that had occurred in Gibeah (the gang rape and murder of the Levite's concubine). The burning city could be interpreted as a sign of God's judgment on Benjamin's sin.
3. Total Defeat: The image of the entire city going up in smoke emphasizes the completeness of the Israelite victory. It's a picture of devastation and the utter collapse of Benjamite power.
4. Strategic Signal: The smoke may have been a prearranged signal to the Israelite forces that the ambush had succeeded, and that they should press their attack on the demoralized Benjamite warriors.
In Summary
Judges 20:40 depicts the moment the Benjamites realize the battle is lost. The sight of their burning city signifies their defeat, the potential divine judgment, and the utter destruction of their power base. It marks a turning point in the narrative, leading to the near-annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin.