Judges 20:41 Meaning and Explanation
“And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel turns to attack, and Benjamin is stunned, realizing that disaster has overtaken them.
What Does Judges 20:41 Mean?
The feigned retreat ends. Israel turns back upon their pursuers, and Benjamin is seized with dismay, 'for they saw that evil was come upon them.' The hunters have become the hunted. Trapped between the re-forming army and their burning city, Benjamin grasps at last the full reversal of their fortunes. The confidence of moments before gives way to terror.
The narrator's phrase, 'they saw that evil was come upon them,' echoes the earlier line that they 'knew not' the evil was near. Now they see it, too late. The sudden shift from triumph to horror underscores the theme that has run through the day: those secure in a wrong cause are blind to their peril until it overwhelms them. The verse calls the reader to humility, lest we too presume upon our standing and discover the truth of our condition only when judgment is already at hand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:41
What does Judges 20:41 mean?
Israel turns to attack, and Benjamin is stunned, realizing that disaster has overtaken them.