Judges 20:31
And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
Judges 20:31 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Judges describes a tragic event where the children of Benjamin went out against the people of Israel and began to attack them on the highways leading to the house of God and Gibeah. The city of Gibeah was located in the territory of Benjamin and was known for its immoral behavior, which ultimately led to a civil war within the nation of Israel. The children of Benjamin, instead of living in harmony with their fellow Israelites, chose to engage in violence and bloodshed, resulting in the death of about thirty men of Israel. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and engaging in sinful behavior. It also highlights the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people, as division can lead to destruction and chaos.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Judges, we see the children of Benjamin going out against the people and engaging in a brutal battle that resulted in the deaths of about thirty men of Israel. The mention of the highways leading up to the house of God and to Gibeah in the field is significant as it underscores the sacredness of the location where the bloodshed occurred. The theological interpretation of this verse may highlight the consequences of straying from God's ways and engaging in violence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments and avoiding actions that lead to conflict and bloodshed. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the nuances of the original language used in this verse to gain a better understanding of the context and implications of the events described.
Judges 20:31 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to Beth-el, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
World English Bible
The children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to strike and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goes up to Bethel, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
Douay-Rheims
And the children of Benjamin boldly issued out of the city, and seeing their enemies flee, pursued them a long way, so as to wound and kill some of them, as they had done the first and second day, whilst they fled by two highways, whereof one goeth up to Bethel and the other to Gabaa, and they slew about thirty men:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the children of Beniamin comming out against the people, were drawen from the citie: and they began to smite of ye people and kill as at other times, euen by the wayes in the fielde (whereof one goeth vp to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah) vpon a thirtie men of Israel.