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Judges 20:41

And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.

Judges 20:41 · King James Version

Meaning

After a civil war erupted in Israel between the tribes of Benjamin and the rest of the Israelites, the men of Benjamin were shocked by the turn of events. The Israelites had initially confronted the Benjaminites due to a grave sin committed by the men of Benjamin against a Levite's concubine. However, as the battle progressed, the men of Benjamin were caught off guard as they realized that the tide had turned against them. They were astonished to see the extent of the evil that had befallen them, as their forces were being defeated by the tribes of Israel. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the swift justice that can follow. It also highlights the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness to avoid facing similar repercussions in our own lives.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the consequences of turning away from God. In this passage, the men of Israel had strayed from the right path and as a result, they experienced evil in their midst. This serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God's commands. The verse also demonstrates the principle of reaping what one sows, as the men of Benjamin were astounded by the unexpected consequences of their actions. The word "amazed" conveys not only surprise but also a sense of shock at the realization of the gravity of the situation. Through a deeper word study, we can understand that this amazement was a reflection of their own guilt and accountability for the evil that had befallen them. This verse serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to stay steadfast in their faith and to always seek righteousness in their actions.

Judges 20:41 in other translations

American Standard Version

And the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that evil was come upon them.

World English Bible

The men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that evil had come on them.

Douay-Rheims

They that before had made as if they fled, turning their faces, stood bravely against them. Which the children of Benjamin seeing, turned their backs,

Geneva Bible (1599)

Then the men of Israel turned againe, and the men of Beniamin were astonied: for they saw that euill was neere vnto them.