Judges 20:15 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:15 mean?

Judges 20:15 reports that the tribe of Benjamin gathered 26,000 men from their cities who were able to fight with swords, not counting 700 specially chosen men from the town of Gibeah. This verse gives a precise count of Benjamin’s fighting force as they prepared for a coming conflict.

In the story, the Israelite tribes are assembling for battle against Benjamin because of a grave crime committed in Gibeah. The verse sets the scene by telling how many men Benjamin could muster, highlighting both the main group from the cities and a select group from Gibeah. This detail helps the reader understand the scale and seriousness of the conflict about to unfold.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:15

• "children" (בְּנֵי, bənê): This word refers to the "sons" or "descendants" of Benjamin, emphasizing the tribal identity and unity of those being counted.
• "numbered" (פָּקַד, pāqad): This verb means to count, muster, or enroll, often used in military contexts. It shows that this was an organized, official preparation for war.
• "chosen" (בָּחַר, bāchar): The 700 men from Gibeah are described with this word, meaning they were specially selected, likely for their skill or bravery, setting them apart from the rest.

Why Judges 20:15 matters

• This verse clarifies that Benjamin was not a large tribe compared to the rest of Israel, but it still fielded a significant and organized force, showing their determination to stand together.
• The mention of the 700 "chosen" men from Gibeah hints at their reputation or special abilities, which becomes important in the following verses.
• By giving exact numbers, the verse underscores the seriousness and scale of the civil war about to erupt among the tribes of Israel, setting the stage for the dramatic events that follow.