Tricked into Surrender

Judges 20:36–48
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Unfortunately, in the beginning chapters of this book gross immorality had taken place and had set tribe against tribe and class against class. It led to political anarchy. First there was religious apostasy in the temple, then moral awfulness in the home, and finally political anarchy in the state. These are the steps that any nation takes that goes down. These verses supplement the previous account by giving detail of the ambush and aftermath of this major battle (vv. 36-48). The small tribe of Benjamin could withstand this great power of the multitude for a brief period but finally the size of the Israelite Army was too much for them. 

The Israelites pretended to be wounded and retreating along two separate roads. The Benjamites ran out to finish off the Israelites as they pretended to retreat, only to find themselves trapped. The battle was fierce, but the Benjamites were not aware of the events already in motion which were to seal their doom. Twenty-five thousand men were killed, the cities of Benjamin were burned to the ground, and most of the people including women and children were destroyed (v. 46).  Only six hundred Benjamites were known to have survived this final battle (v. 47). The Israelites apparently made no attempt to pursue the surviving 600 Benjamites who escaped to the rock of Rimmon which is thought to be about 4 miles east of Bethel. To prevent unresolved problems from turning into major conflicts, firm action must be taken quickly, wisely, and forcefully before the situation gets out of hand like this did.

Application

I cannot live in past victories. Just because I have experienced great accomplishments during my Christian life does not guarantee the same in the future. I must walk close to the Lord and in the light of His Word each day. I know this will take time and discipline in the days, months, and years to come. This is why my Quiet time each morning is so important.