Judges 20:32 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

The Benjamites said, 'We're defeating them just like we did before.' But the Israelites said, 'Let's retreat and draw them away from the city onto the main roads.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

The Israelites pretended to retreat to trick the Benjamites into leaving their fortified city and following them into a trap.

📚 Historical Context

This takes place during a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel, sparked by a horrific crime in Gibeah. The Israelites had already suffered two defeats against Benjamin's skilled warriors, but now they were using a strategic feint to lure the Benjamites away from their defensive positions in the city.

Explore Similar Verses

Judges 20:21

The Benjamites came out from Gibeah and killed twenty-two thousand Israelite men that day, completely destroying them.

Judges 20:25

On the second day, the Benjamites came out from Gibeah to fight against them, and killed eighteen thousand more Israelite soldiers—all of them were skilled warriors.

Judges 20:42

So they turned and ran away from the Israelite army toward the wilderness, but the battle caught up with them. The Israelites also destroyed those who came out from the cities, surrounding them completely.

Ask the AI Assistant

Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.

Share or Save

📚 Historical Context

Explore Similar Verses

Ask the AI Assistant

Translation & Methodology Sources