King James Version

What Does Judges 20:24 Mean?

Judges 20:24 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.” — study this verse from Judges chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.”

Judges 20:24 · KJV

Context

22

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.

23

(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the LORD until even, and asked counsel of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the LORD said, Go up against him.)

24

And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

25

And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.

26

Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God , and wept, and sat there before the LORD, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.

Read Judges 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day (וַיִּקְרְבוּ בְנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־בְּנֵי־בִנְיָמִן בַּיּוֹם הַשֵּׁנִי)—they advance again with renewed courage based on God's permission to 'go up' (v. 23). The phrase 'came near' (קָרַב, qarav) suggests approaching for battle, the same verb used for approaching God in worship—ironic given their incomplete seeking.

Israel proceeds with God's permission but without fuller counsel or promise of victory. They interpret 'go up against him' as sufficient authorization, yet the following verse reveals another devastating defeat. This teaches that divine permission doesn't always equal divine blessing. God may allow us to pursue courses of action that will teach through painful consequences. Israel's confidence in God's word 'go up' proves misplaced because they sought permission for predetermined plans rather than wisdom for right action. When we frame questions to get the answer we want rather than seeking truth we need, God may give permission that leads to correction through failure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The second day's battle followed quickly after regrouping—likely less than 24 hours after the first defeat. Ancient warfare sometimes involved multi-day engagements with armies camping in proximity. Israel's continued commitment despite 22,000 casualties demonstrates both their determination to pursue covenant justice and their stubborn unwillingness to fully reassess their approach.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you confuse divine permission with divine blessing?
  2. When do you interpret God's allowance as approval without seeking His fuller wisdom?
  3. What painful lessons has God taught through consequences of plans He permitted but didn't fully bless?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וַיִּקְרְב֧וּ1 of 8

“came near”

H7126

to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose

בְּנֵ֥י2 of 8

“And the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל3 of 8

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל4 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בְּנֵ֥י5 of 8

“And the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֖ן6 of 8

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

בַּיּ֥וֹם7 of 8

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשֵּׁנִֽי׃8 of 8

“the second”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Judges 20:24 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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