Judges 20:24 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:24 mean?

Judges 20:24 describes how the Israelites approached the tribe of Benjamin to fight against them for a second day. The verse shows that the conflict between the Israelites and the Benjaminites continued beyond the first battle, with the Israelites returning to confront their fellow tribe again.

The setting is a civil war within Israel, where the other tribes are fighting Benjamin because of a grave crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. The verse simply notes the renewed attempt by the Israelites to defeat Benjamin after failing the first day, highlighting the persistence and seriousness of the conflict.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:24

• "came near" (קָרַב, qārav): This word often means to approach or draw close, especially in a military sense. Here, it emphasizes the Israelites’ active movement toward Benjamin for battle, not just a passive waiting.
• "second" (שֵׁנִי, sheniy): This word marks that this was not the first attempt, but a repeated effort, showing the ongoing and unresolved nature of the conflict.

Why Judges 20:24 matters

• This verse clarifies that the Israelites did not give up after their initial defeat; their persistence sets up the dramatic tension for what follows in the chapter.
• The mention of the "second day" signals to the reader that the conflict was not easily resolved and that both sides were determined, which adds weight to the seriousness of the situation.
• Understanding this verse helps make sense of the larger narrative in Judges 20, where repeated battles and setbacks lead to a turning point in Israel’s approach and eventual outcome.