Judges 21:20 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:20 mean?

Judges 21:20 describes the leaders of Israel instructing the men of the tribe of Benjamin to hide in the vineyards. This command is part of a plan to help the Benjaminites find wives after their tribe was nearly wiped out in a previous conflict.

The verse takes place after a civil war in Israel, where the tribe of Benjamin was almost destroyed. The Israelite leaders are speaking to the surviving Benjaminites, giving them specific instructions to conceal themselves among the vineyards. This sets up the next part of the story, where the Benjaminites will be able to take wives during a festival, as a way to preserve their tribe.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:20

• "Commanded" (צָוָה, tsavah): This word means to order or instruct with authority. It shows that the leaders are giving a direct and purposeful command, not just making a suggestion.
• "Children" (בֵּן, ben): Often translated as "sons" or "descendants," this word refers specifically to the male members of the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the focus on preserving the lineage.
• "Wait" (אָרַב, arav): This word means to lie in ambush or to hide with a purpose. It suggests a deliberate, strategic action rather than simply hiding.
• "Vineyards" (כֶּרֶם, kerem): Vineyards were common hiding places due to their thick foliage, making this a practical instruction for concealment.

Why Judges 21:20 matters

• This verse clarifies the unusual steps the Israelites took to ensure the survival of the tribe of Benjamin, showing the lengths they went to after the conflict.
• Understanding the command to "lie in wait" in the vineyards helps explain the events that follow, where the Benjaminites seize wives during a festival.
• The verse highlights the tension between justice (punishing Benjamin) and mercy (preserving the tribe), a recurring theme in the book of Judges.