Judges 20:17 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:17 mean?

Judges 20:17 states that the men of Israel, not counting the tribe of Benjamin, gathered an army of 400,000 men who were experienced in battle and ready to fight. This verse highlights the large and unified military force assembled by the rest of Israel in response to a crisis involving the tribe of Benjamin.

The setting is a time of civil conflict in ancient Israel, where all the tribes except Benjamin have come together at Mizpah to address a serious crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. The verse emphasizes the overwhelming number of Israelite warriors and sets the stage for the confrontation that follows in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:17

• אִישׁ (ish, H376): This word is used for "men" and often refers to adult males, especially those capable of fighting. Its repeated use here underscores that these were not just any people, but able-bodied warriors.
• יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, H3478): This is the name for "Israel," referring to the collective tribes except Benjamin. The verse distinguishes between the main body of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the division.
• פָּקַד (paqad, H6485): Translated as "numbered," this word often carries the sense of being mustered or enrolled for a specific purpose, in this case, military action.
• שָׁלַף (shalaf, H8025): Rendered "drew" (as in "drew sword"), this verb implies readiness for battle, not just possession of weapons but active preparation for combat.

Why Judges 20:17 matters

• This verse clarifies the scale of Israel's response, showing that the conflict with Benjamin was not a minor dispute but a major civil war involving a massive army.
• By specifying that Benjamin is excluded from this count, the verse highlights the seriousness of the division among the tribes and the isolation of Benjamin.
• The verse sets up the narrative tension for the following events, helping readers understand the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for the nation of Israel.