Judges 20:14-31
20:16 a 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 b). 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.
20:18 c To go first means to lead, not necessarily to precede (Gen 49:10 d).
Summary for Judg 20:19-21: 20:19-21 e The three battles took place around the guilty city. Despite superior numbers and having asked the Lord for guidance, the Israelite troops facing the defenders behind their walls were soundly beaten back the first day.
Summary for Judg 20:22-23: 20:22-23 f Following a time of weeping and probably confession (cp. Josh 7 g) the Israelite troops received divine guidance and regained confidence.
Summary for Judg 20:24-25: 20:24-25 h A second debacle shook the confidence of the Israelites (20:26-28 i).
Summary for Judg 20:26-28: 20:26-28 j The pressure was building to admit defeat and go home. The activities in the presence of the Lord increased in intensity as the Israelites sought the Lord’s direction.
Summary for Judg 20:29-44: 20:29-44 k The third day’s battle followed the same strategies of deception and ambush that were used to conquer Ai (Josh 8:1-29 l).
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