On the second dayThe phrase "on the second day" indicates a continuation of the conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites. This battle is part of a larger narrative that began with a grievous crime in Gibeah, leading to a civil war within Israel. The second day suggests persistence and determination in the Israelites' efforts, despite their initial defeat. It reflects the ongoing struggle and the need for perseverance in the face of adversity, a theme echoed in other biblical narratives such as the Israelites' journey through the wilderness.
the Israelites advanced
The Israelites' advance signifies a strategic military movement. This action demonstrates their resolve to address the sin within their community, as the tribe of Benjamin had refused to surrender the perpetrators of the crime in Gibeah. The advance can be seen as an act of justice, aligning with the biblical principle of purging evil from among the people (Deuteronomy 13:5). It also highlights the unity of the other tribes of Israel in their collective response to the moral corruption within their nation.
against the Benjamites
The Benjamites, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, were known for their warrior skills and valor (1 Chronicles 8:40). This internal conflict underscores the tragic division within the chosen people of God, reminiscent of other familial and tribal conflicts in the Bible, such as the strife between Jacob's sons. The Benjamites' resistance to the collective will of the other tribes illustrates the dangers of pride and isolation. This battle foreshadows future divisions within Israel, ultimately leading to the split into the northern and southern kingdoms.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsraelitesThe collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking justice for the crime committed in Gibeah.
2.
BenjamitesThe tribe of Benjamin, who are defending themselves against the other tribes of Israel.
3.
GibeahA city in the territory of Benjamin where a grievous crime was committed, leading to the conflict.
4.
Second DayRefers to the continuation of battle efforts by the Israelites against the Benjamites after an initial defeat.
5.
BattleThe ongoing conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites, which is part of a larger account of civil strife within Israel.
Teaching Points
Dependence on GodThe Israelites' repeated inquiries to God before battle underscore the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions.
Justice and RighteousnessThe conflict arises from a desire to address a grave injustice, reminding us of the need to stand against wrongdoing in our communities.
Perseverance in AdversityDespite initial setbacks, the Israelites continue their efforts, teaching us the value of perseverance in the face of challenges.
Unity and DivisionThe internal conflict among the tribes of Israel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of division within the body of believers.
Consequences of SinThe entire account is a stark reminder of how sin can lead to devastating consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Judges 20:24?
2.How does Judges 20:24 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in battles?
3.What can we learn from Israel's persistence despite initial failures in Judges 20:24?
4.How does Judges 20:24 connect to the theme of obedience in Deuteronomy 28:1-2?
5.What role does faith play in the Israelites' actions in Judges 20:24?
6.How can we apply the perseverance shown in Judges 20:24 to our spiritual lives?
7.Why did the Israelites fight the Benjamites in Judges 20:24?
8.How does Judges 20:24 reflect God's justice?
9.What historical evidence supports the battle in Judges 20:24?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 20?
11.How did Jehoshaphat's army manage to march forth singing and then gather the spoils without engaging in a standard military offensive (2 Chronicles 20:21-25)?
12.Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)?
13.Judges 20:18-23 - Why would God direct Israel to attack Benjamin, allow defeat twice, and then finally grant them victory on the third attempt?
14.Judges 20:35-46 - Is the near-total annihilation of an entire tribe by fellow Israelites consistent with the broader biblical message of unity among God's people?What Does Judges 20:24 Mean
On the second day• The phrase marks a literal 24-hour progression from the first battle (Judges 20:19–23).
• Israel had already sought the LORD and wept over their earlier loss, yet God directed them to “Go up against them” (Judges 20:23).
• Scripture often shows God’s people needing more than one attempt before victory—think of Joshua’s initial defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:4–6) or Elijah’s sevenfold prayer for rain (1 Kings 18:43).
• The timing reminds us that perseverance is a mark of faith (Galatians 6:9).
the Israelites• These are the covenant people called to be “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
• Though united in ancestry, they had gathered “400,000 men” (Judges 20:2) to stand for righteousness after the atrocity at Gibeah.
• Their unity here contrasts with earlier tribal disunity (Judges 5:15–17) and anticipates the New Testament call for one body contending together for truth (Philippians 1:27).
advanced• “Advanced” shows deliberate movement—Israel did not wait passively; they obeyed God’s directive.
• Obedient action follows prayer (Judges 20:23). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
• The advance also tests motives. Israel would suffer another setback (Judges 20:25), underscoring that obedience does not guarantee instant success but does honor God (Proverbs 3:5–6).
against• Sad reality: this was brother against brother. Internal discipline sometimes becomes necessary to uphold holiness (Deuteronomy 13:12–18;1 Corinthians 5:11–13).
• The word signals a measured, God-authorized confrontation—not vengeance but justice (Romans 13:4).
• It foreshadows Christ’s call to confront sin within the family of faith (Matthew 18:15-17).
the Benjamites• Benjamin, once called “beloved of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:12), had sheltered unrepentant wickedness (Judges 19:22-30).
• Their refusal to surrender the guilty men (Judges 20:13) placed the entire tribe under judgment, illustrating corporate responsibility (Joshua 7:11).
• Hosea later alludes to this moment: “You have sinned… O Israel, there they have remained” (Hosea 10:9), showing the long memory of sin when repentance is withheld.
summaryJudges 20:24 records a literal next step in a painful but necessary confrontation. Israel, God’s covenant people, persisted in obedience, advancing at His command even after initial defeat. Their movement against Benjamin highlights the seriousness with which God regards sin inside His own family and the perseverance He expects from those who seek His justice.
(24)
The second day.--This does not mean the day after the first battle. One full day at least--the day of supplication--must have intervened between the two battles.
Verse 24. -
And, or
so, repeating what had been said in ver. 22, but giving it this time as the result of God's answer recorded in ver. 23.
The second day. Not necessarily, or probably, the next day, but the day of the second battle.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
On the secondהַשֵּׁנִֽי׃(haš·šê·nî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145:Second (an ordinal number)dayבַּיּ֥וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daythe Israelitesבְנֵֽי־(ḇə·nê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A sonadvancedוַיִּקְרְב֧וּ(way·yiq·rə·ḇū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachagainstאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe Benjamites.בְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
Links
Judges 20:24 NIVJudges 20:24 NLTJudges 20:24 ESVJudges 20:24 NASBJudges 20:24 KJV
Judges 20:24 BibleApps.comJudges 20:24 Biblia ParalelaJudges 20:24 Chinese BibleJudges 20:24 French BibleJudges 20:24 Catholic Bible
OT History: Judges 20:24 The children of Israel came near against (Jd Judg. Jdg) 
