Judges 20:43
Thus they enclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
Judges 20:43 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Judges, the Benjamites are being pursued and defeated by the other tribes of Israel. The context of this verse is a battle between the tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, spurred by a heinous crime committed by some men from the tribe of Benjamin in the city of Gibeah. The other tribes of Israel have rallied together to seek justice and retribution for the crime. As they surround the Benjamites and chase them with ease, it is a display of the power and unity of the other tribes against their fellow Israelites who have committed such a grave offense. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the measures that must sometimes be taken to uphold justice and maintain order within the community. It also highlights the themes of justice, unity, and the consequences of disobedience to God's laws.
Theological Overview
One key theological interpretation of this verse from Judges 20:43 revolves around the themes of justice and judgment. The context of the passage describes the Israelites' battle against the tribe of Benjamin due to their grievous sin. The Benjamites were being punished for protecting the men of Gibeah who had committed vile acts. The image of the Benjamites being "enclosed...chased, and trodden down" by the other tribes symbolizes the consequences of their actions and the divine retribution they faced. The ease with which the other tribes were able to defeat them highlights the righteousness of the judgment brought upon the Benjamites. Additionally, the location "over against Gibeah toward the sunrising" may symbolize the dawning of a new era or a fresh start for the Israelites after purging themselves of the sin amongst their own ranks. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's laws and the inevitability of facing consequences for our actions.
Judges 20:43 in other translations
American Standard Version
They inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trod them down at [their] resting-place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
World English Bible
They surrounded the Benjamites, chased them, and trod them down at their resting place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrise.
Douay-Rheims
And so it was, that they were slain on both sides by the enemies, and there was no rest of their men dying. They fell and were beaten down on the east side of the city of Gabaa.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thus they compassed the Beniamites about, and chased them at ease, and ouerranne them, euen ouer against Gibeah on the Eastside.