And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.

JUDGES 20:37KJV
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Judges 20:37 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:37 mean?

Judges 20:37 describes how the Israelite soldiers who had been hiding in ambush quickly moved out and attacked the city of Gibeah, striking down its inhabitants with their swords. The verse highlights the moment when the ambush was set into action and the city was overtaken by force.

In this part of the story, the Israelites are fighting against the tribe of Benjamin because of a terrible crime committed in Gibeah. The verse focuses on the tactical move: those lying in wait, previously hidden, now rush into the city and attack. This marks a turning point in the battle, showing the effectiveness of the ambush and the sudden destruction that followed.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:37

  • The word for "liers in wait" is אֹרֵב (’orev), which means those who are lying in ambush or hiding to attack. This word emphasizes the planned, hidden nature of the attack.
  • "Hasted" comes from מָהַר (mahar), meaning to hurry or act quickly. The ambushers did not delay but acted decisively at the right moment.
  • "Rushed" is from פָּרַץ (parats), meaning to burst out or break forth. This shows the sudden, forceful nature of their attack.
  • "Smote... with the edge of the sword" uses פֶּה (peh, "edge") and חֶרֶב (cherev, "sword"), a Hebrew phrase often used to describe killing or destruction in battle, literally "struck with the mouth of the sword," meaning total defeat.

Why Judges 20:37 matters

  • This verse clarifies how the Israelites used strategy, not just brute force, to overcome Gibeah, showing that planning and timing were crucial in this battle.
  • The language highlights the suddenness and completeness of the attack, helping the reader understand the dramatic shift in the conflict.
  • By focusing on the ambush, the verse connects to earlier verses where the Israelites set up this plan, showing the fulfillment of their strategy and the turning point in the war against Benjamin.

Where else these words appear

“hasted” Hebrew H2363 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • Psalms 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
  • Psalms 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

“along” Hebrew H4900 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Job 21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
  • Isaiah 13:22 And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.

“wait” Hebrew H693 · used in 40 verses

  • Deuteronomy 19:11 But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities:
  • Judges 16:9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when it toucheth the fire. So his strength was not known.
  • Psalms 10:9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

“rushed” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 30:1 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.