Judg 20:13-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Judg 20:13-17: 20:13-17 Benjamin’s response was consistent with its independent and warlike character (cp. Gen 49:27 ). The tribe had justifiable confidence in the warriors for which it was famous (Judg 3:12-30 ; 1 Chr 12:2 ). Though outnumbered almost three to one, they defeated the rest of Israel twice and inflicted heavy casualties (Judg 20:18-24 ).

a20:13-17►

bGen 49:27►

cJudg 3:12-30►

d1 Chr 12:2►

eJudg 20:18-24►

g1 Sam 17:40-51►

‏ Judges 20:13-17

Summary for Judg 20:13-17: 20:13-17 ^a Benjamin’s response was consistent with its independent and warlike character (cp. Gen 49:27 ^b). The tribe had justifiable confidence in the warriors for which it was famous (Judg 3:12-30 ^c; 1 Chr 12:2 ^d). Though outnumbered almost three to one, they defeated the rest of Israel twice and inflicted heavy casualties (Judg 20:18-24 ^e).
20:16 ^f left-handed: See study note on 3:15.

• The sling was of the same type as the one David used to kill Goliath (1 Sam 17:40-51 ^g). The slinger buried a stone in a small pouch attached to a leather thong, then swung it around his head to gain momentum before releasing one end of the thong to shoot the missile. A slinger had the advantage of distance over a swordsman.