Judges 20:21 - Context and Meaning

Judges 20:21 states: "And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men." This verse describes a significant moment during the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The aftermath of a grievous incident involving the men of Gibeah led to a civil war, illustrating the severity of sin and its consequences within the nation of Israel.

The verse serves as a critical juncture in the narrative of Judges, which often highlights the cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance experienced by the Israelites.

Summary of Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Matthew Henry emphasizes that this verse demonstrates God’s justice, allowing the Benjamites to win a battle initially. The folly of Israel's decision to go to war against their brethren is highlighted. The scripture serves as a stark reminder of the destructive capabilities of civil discord and the importance of unity among God’s people.
• Albert Barnes' Notes: Barnes notes that this context underscores the dire consequences of sin and the internal strife that can arise among God’s chosen people. He points out that the loss of life signifies the gravity of the sin committed by the Benjamites and reflects on the broader implications of disobedience to God’s laws.
• Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke focuses on the historical and theological implications of the battle, suggesting that it shows God’s sovereignty even in judgment. He interprets the number of lives lost as a testament to the intensity of Israel's internal conflict, urging readers to appreciate the seriousness of contention among God’s people.

Bible Verse Cross-References

• Judges 19:22-30 - The events that led to the conflict.
• Judges 21:11-14 - The aftermath and consequences of the conflict.
• 2 Corinthians 13:5 - A call to examine oneself, relevant to the moral failings seen in the book of Judges.
• Matthew 5:21-22 - Jesus’ teachings on anger and conflict, drawing parallels to the violence in Judges.
• Galatians 5:15 - A warning against biting and devouring one another, similar to the strife in Judges.
• Proverbs 6:16-19 - God's hatred of discord and the importance of unity.
• 1 John 4:20 - The requirement of love among brethren, contrasting with the events in Judges.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

This verse and its surrounding context provide significant insights into various biblical themes, such as:

• **Conflict and Division** - Highlighting how sin engenders strife among communities of faith.
• **Divine Justice and Sovereignty** - Manifested in the outcomes of the battles faced by the Israelites.
• **Consequences of Sin** - The deaths in battle are emblematic of the overarching theme of the consequences of disobedience.
• **Call to Unity** - The narrative urges God’s people to prioritize harmony over discord.

Bible Cross-Reference Guide

When studying Judges 20:21, it is beneficial to utilize tools for Bible cross-referencing. These resources can offer deeper insights and thematic connections among the scriptures.

• Utilizing a Bible concordance to find related passages.
• Employing a cross-reference Bible study to explore the interrelation of themes.
• Learning how to use Bible cross-references effectively can enhance understanding.
• Accessing comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials for an in-depth study.

Conclusion

Judges 20:21 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of sin and the profound effects of internal conflict among God’s people. Through a careful examination of the surrounding context, cross-references, and commentaries, one can gain a deeper understanding of this verse and its implications for both the historical and contemporary faith communities.