28: The Lord annihilated Benjamin before Israel (Judges 20:29 – 48)

The Lord punished the Benjaminites, and His judgment was severe. The Israelites were His instrument.

Read Judges 20:29 - 48


Q1. The initial (         ) casualties and the retreat of the Israelites, following their two prior defeats, caused the Benjaminites to believe they were victorious, unaware that disaster was at their (        ). On that day, (        ) enabled Israel to annihilate Benjamin.

The initial ( thirty ) casualties and the retreat of the Israelites, following their two prior defeats, caused the Benjaminites to believe they were victorious, unaware that disaster was at their ( doorstep ). On that day, ( the LORD ) enabled Israel to annihilate Benjamin.

The Benjaminites, filled with pride from their previous victories, failed to perceive the impending disaster (34, 41). It lingered at their doorstep, just outside the door—not yet inside. The Lord’s judgment often comes like a thief—unexpectedly, catching us unaware when we grow complacent and assume everything will remain as it has always been. Be alert! Pride and self-confidence make us slumber.



Q2. Find expressions that show the defeat of the Benjaminites was from the Lord.

“The Lord annihilated Benjamin” (35)

“The Israelites struck down that day 25,100” (35): It was a great casualty.

“sword-wielding” (35), “capable warriors” (44, 46): They were strong warriors but the Lord made them defeated.



Q3. In one day, (              ) Benjaminite warriors were killed. When they tried to flee to the wilderness, men from (                 ) cities struck them down. Only (            ) survived and ran away. The Israelites wiped out the Benjaminites' towns and set fire to them. 

In one day, ( 25,100 ) Benjaminite warriors were killed. When they tried to flee to the wilderness, men from (  surrounding  ) cities struck them down. Only ( 600  ) survived and ran away. The Israelites wiped out the Benjaminites' towns and set fire to them.



The Bible details how drastically they were defeated and destroyed, just like one of the Canaanite towns, especially Ai. The Lord’s punishment was dire and severe when the Benjaminites refused to listen to the call for repentance from the whole congregation of Israel, the Lord’s people.


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