Judges 21:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →They instructed the Benjamites to hide and wait in the vineyards near Shiloh.
What Does Judges 21:20 Mean?
The elders give Benjamin their instructions: go and lie in wait among the vineyards near Shiloh. The men are to conceal themselves and watch for the moment when the young women come out to dance at the feast. The plan, devised by Israel's leaders, sets the survivors in ambush at the edge of a sacred celebration.
The narrative recounts the scheme plainly, without applause. It is another instance of Israel managing its crisis by stratagem rather than by seeking the LORD's clear direction. The vineyards, places of harvest and gladness, become the cover for a desperate plan. Scripture's honest telling invites the reader neither to admire nor to imitate, but to see how a people without godly guidance keep reaching for makeshift solutions, and to long for the Shepherd who leads His own in paths of righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Judges 21:20
What does Judges 21:20 mean?
They instructed the Benjamites to hide and wait in the vineyards near Shiloh.