Judges 20:42 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Benjamin flees toward the wilderness, but the battle overtakes them and they are cut down on every side.
What Does Judges 20:42 Mean?
Routed, Benjamin turns and flees toward the wilderness, seeking escape. But 'the battle overtook them.' There is no outrunning the disaster now. Even those coming out of the cities are caught and destroyed in their midst. The tribe that had charged out so boldly is now scattered and pursued, hemmed in and struck down as they run.
The reversal is complete. The flight toward the wilderness, away from the burning city, leads only into further death. The verse captures the futility of trying to flee a judgment one has invited and ignored. Benjamin had been warned, given the chance to surrender the guilty, and had refused; now there is no refuge in flight. Scripture sets before us the seriousness of persistent rebellion, and the sobering truth that there comes a point where the consequences long resisted can no longer be escaped.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 20:42
What does Judges 20:42 mean?
Benjamin flees toward the wilderness, but the battle overtakes them and they are cut down on every side.