Judges 20:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despite the loss, Israel takes courage and forms its battle lines again in the same place.
What Does Judges 20:22 Mean?
After a crushing defeat, Israel does not scatter. The men 'encouraged themselves' and drew up their lines again on the same ground. There is resilience here, a refusal to abandon the cause after one bitter day. They strengthen one another and stand once more, ready to face Benjamin again rather than retreat in despair.
Courage in the face of setback is a worthy thing, and the Scriptures often commend those who do not give up. Yet the verse notes that they encouraged themselves, and only afterward, as the next verse shows, do they weep before the LORD. There is a fine line between godly perseverance and stubborn self-reliance. True endurance leans on God rather than merely on resolve. The verse invites us to take heart in trials, but to find our deepest encouragement not in ourselves but in him.
Judges 20:22 in the Original Language
chazaq (חָזַק), 'encouraged' -- to strengthen, harden, or take firm hold of courage in the face of trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:22
What does Judges 20:22 mean?
Despite the loss, Israel takes courage and forms its battle lines again in the same place.