Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.

JUDGES 20:38KJV
Know the Bible

Judges 20:38 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:38 mean?

Judges 20:38 describes how the men of Israel and their hidden ambush group agreed on a signal: when a large column of smoke rose from the city, it would be the sign for the ambush to act. This arrangement allowed them to coordinate their attack without direct communication.

This verse takes place during the civil conflict between the tribes of Israel and the people of Gibeah in Benjamin. The Israelites had set an ambush around Gibeah, and this verse explains the practical detail of how the main army and the ambushers would know when to move. The “great flame with smoke” was a clear, visible signal that could be seen from a distance, ensuring both groups acted together at the right moment.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:38

  • sign (מוֹעֵד, mo‘ed): This word often means an appointed time or meeting, but here it refers to a prearranged signal. It shows the careful planning between the Israelite forces.
  • flame (מַשְׂאָה, mas’eh): This word can mean a rising column, often of smoke or fire. The use of a dramatic, visible signal emphasizes the need for clarity and coordination in the chaos of battle.
  • smoke (עָשָׁן, ‘ashan): The word for smoke highlights that the signal was not just fire, but something that could be seen from far away, making it practical for military communication.

Why Judges 20:38 matters

  • Judges 20:38 clarifies how the Israelites coordinated a complex military strategy, showing that their victory was not just brute force but involved careful planning.
  • The verse connects directly to the surrounding narrative, explaining how the ambush was triggered and why the Benjaminites were caught off guard.
  • Understanding the use of a visible signal helps modern readers see the practical realities of ancient warfare and communication, which can otherwise seem distant or confusing.

Where else these words appear

“flame” Hebrew H4864 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:9 And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the LORD the collection that Moses the servant of God laid upon Israel in the wilderness.
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“smoke” Hebrew H6227 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 15:17 And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.
  • Psalms 18:8 There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
  • Isaiah 9:18 For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.

“and” Hebrew H5973 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Genesis 48:12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth.
  • 1 Samuel 16:12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

“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.