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⇱ Judges 20:17 The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

Bible > Judges > Chapter 20 > Verse 17
◄ Judges 20:17 ►
New International Version
Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them fit for battle.

New Living Translation
Israel had 400,000 experienced soldiers armed with swords, not counting Benjamin’s warriors.

English Standard Version
And the men of Israel, apart from Benjamin, mustered 400,000 men who drew the sword; all these were men of war.

Berean Standard Bible
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

King James Bible
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

New King James Version
Now besides Benjamin, the men of Israel numbered four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.

New American Standard Bible
Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were counted, four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.

NASB 1995
Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.

NASB 1977
Then the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the men of Israel besides Benjamin were numbered, 400,000 men who draw the sword; all these were men of war.

Amplified Bible
Then the men of Israel, other than Benjamin, assembled four hundred thousand men who drew the sword; all of these were men of war.

Christian Standard Bible
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized four hundred thousand armed men, every one an experienced warrior.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, rallied 400,000 armed men, every one an experienced warrior.

American Standard Version
And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

Contemporary English Version
The other Israelite tribes organized their army and found they had 400,000 experienced soldiers.

English Revised Version
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The men of Israel (Benjamin not included) totaled 400,000 soldiers armed with swords.

Good News Translation
Not counting the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites gathered 400,000 trained soldiers.

International Standard Version
But the Israeli army—not counting the tribe of Benjamin—numbered 400,000 expert swordsmen, all of them battle-hardened soldiers.

NET Bible
The men of Israel (not counting Benjamin) had mustered four hundred thousand sword-wielding soldiers, every one an experienced warrior.

New Heart English Bible
The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men who drew sword: all these were men of war.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

World English Bible
The men of Israel, besides Benjamin, were counted four hundred thousand men who drew sword. All these were men of war.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the men of Israel numbered themselves, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men, drawing sword, each of these a man of war.

Young's Literal Translation
And the men of Israel numbered themselves, apart from Benjamin, four hundred thousand men, drawing sword, each of these a man of war.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the men of Israel were reviewed, beside Benjamin, four hundred thousand men drawing sword: all these men of war.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of the men of Israel also, beside the children of Benjamin, were found four hundred thousand that drew swords, and were prepared to fight.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then too, among the men of Israel apart from the sons of Benjamin, there were found four hundred thousand who drew the sword and who were prepared for battle.

New American Bible
The men of Israel, without Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand swordsmen, all of them warriors.

New Revised Standard Version
And the Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mustered four hundred thousand armed men, all of them warriors.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And the men of Israel, as compared with the Benjamites, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these were men of war.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the men of Israel were numbered apart from the sons of Benjamin, four hundred thousand men drawing a sword, all men, workers of war
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these were men of war.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the men of Israel, exclusive of Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword; all these were men of war.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Decree of the Assembly
…16Among all these soldiers there were 700 select left-handers, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair without missing. 17The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.

Cross References
Numbers 1:26-27
From the sons of Judah, according to the records of their clans and families, counting the names of all those twenty years of age or older who could serve in the army, / those registered to the tribe of Judah numbered 74,600.

Numbers 2:4
and his division numbers 74,600.

Numbers 26:22
These were the clans of Judah, and their registration numbered 76,500.

1 Samuel 11:8
And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah.

1 Samuel 15:4
So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.

2 Samuel 24:9
And Joab reported to the king the total number of the troops. In Israel there were 800,000 men of valor who drew the sword, and in Judah there were 500,000.

1 Chronicles 21:5
And Joab reported to David the total number of the troops. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, including 470,000 in Judah.

2 Chronicles 17:14-18
These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; / next to him, Jehohanan the commander, and with him 280,000; / and next to him, Amasiah son of Zichri, the volunteer for the LORD, and with him 200,000 mighty men of valor. ...

Matthew 10:6
Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

Matthew 15:24
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Luke 22:30
so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Acts 26:7
the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. It is because of this hope, O king, that I am accused by the Jews.

Romans 11:1
I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11:26
And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob.

Philippians 3:5
circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;


Judges 20:2
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.

Numbers 1:46
Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.

Numbers 26:51
These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.

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Apart Armed Benjamin Besides Draw Drawing Drew Hundred Israel Mustered Numbered Sword Swords Swordsmen Themselves Thousand War
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Apart Armed Benjamin Besides Draw Drawing Drew Hundred Israel Mustered Numbered Sword Swords Swordsmen Themselves Thousand War
Judges 20
1. The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong
8. The decree of the assembly
12. The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites
18. The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand
26. They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.














The Israelites, apart from Benjamin
This phrase highlights the division within the tribes of Israel, as the tribe of Benjamin is excluded from the rest of the Israelite confederation. This division is significant in the context of the civil war that ensues due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. The exclusion of Benjamin underscores the severity of the conflict and the moral outrage felt by the other tribes. Historically, the tribes of Israel were meant to be united under the covenant with God, but internal strife often led to divisions, as seen here. This division foreshadows later splits in the kingdom, such as the division between Israel and Judah.

mobilized 400,000 swordsmen
The mobilization of such a large number of warriors indicates the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the conflict. This number suggests a significant military capability and reflects the tribal confederation's ability to gather a large force when necessary. The use of swordsmen points to the common weaponry of the time, with swords being a primary tool for warfare. This mobilization can be compared to other instances in the Old Testament where Israel gathers for battle, such as in the wars against the Canaanites and Philistines.

each one an experienced warrior
The emphasis on the warriors being experienced suggests that these were not merely conscripted men but seasoned fighters, likely with previous battle experience. This detail highlights the gravity of the situation and the Israelites' determination to address the sin in Gibeah decisively. The concept of experienced warriors is echoed in other biblical narratives, such as David's mighty men, who were known for their valor and skill in battle. This phrase also underscores the theme of God using human agency and military might to achieve divine purposes, as seen throughout the history of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Men of Israel
Refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin. They are preparing for battle against their fellow Israelites, the Benjamites, due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is at the center of the conflict due to the actions of some of its members in Gibeah. The tribe is being confronted by the other tribes for justice.

3. Four Hundred Thousand Swordsmen
This number represents the assembled army of Israel, indicating the seriousness and scale of the conflict. It highlights the unity and determination of the tribes to address the sin in their midst.

4. Men of War
This term emphasizes the readiness and capability of the Israelite army, suggesting that they are experienced and prepared for the impending battle.

5. Gibeah
The location where the initial crime occurred, leading to the conflict. It is a city within the territory of Benjamin.
Teaching Points
Unity in Addressing Sin
The tribes of Israel demonstrate the importance of coming together to address sin within the community. This unity is crucial for maintaining holiness and justice.

The Seriousness of Sin
The large number of men prepared for battle underscores the seriousness with which sin should be treated. It serves as a reminder that sin has consequences and must be dealt with decisively.

Righteous Indignation
The Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah reflects a righteous indignation that believers should have towards sin. It is important to be zealous for God's standards.

Community Responsibility
The passage highlights the responsibility of the community to hold its members accountable. This is a call for believers to lovingly confront and restore those who have fallen into sin.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as the Israelites prepared for physical battle, believers must be prepared for spiritual battles, equipped with the armor of God as described in Ephesians.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Judges 20:17?

2. How does Judges 20:17 demonstrate the importance of unity among God's people?

3. What can we learn about preparation from the Israelites' gathering in Judges 20:17?

4. How does Judges 20:17 connect to Ephesians 6:10-18 on spiritual warfare?

5. In what ways can we apply the Israelites' unity to our church community?

6. How does Judges 20:17 encourage us to rely on God's strength in battles?

7. Why did Israel gather 400,000 men against Benjamin in Judges 20:17?

8. How does Judges 20:17 reflect on God's justice and mercy?

9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Judges 20:17?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Judges 20?

11. Judges 20 (entire chapter) - Is there any archeological evidence supporting so great a civil war among the tribes of Israel, or are the events purely literary?

12. 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?

13. Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)?

14. If the Israelites regretted their extreme oath, why didn't they seek a different resolution instead of resorting to further bloodshed (Judges 21)?
What Does Judges 20:17 Mean
The Israelites

“The Israelites” identifies the united covenant people of God (Judges 20:1).

• A full national assembly answered the call to uphold righteousness, echoing earlier gatherings like Joshua 24:1 and 1 Samuel 7:5–6.

• Their unity fulfills Exodus 19:6, showing the nation acting as “a kingdom of priests.”

• By standing together they model Leviticus 19:17, confronting sin within the community rather than ignoring it.

apart from Benjamin

This clause highlights a tragic breach in fellowship.

• Benjamin had sheltered the violent men of Gibeah (Judges 19:22–30), refusing to surrender them for justice (Judges 20:13).

• Deuteronomy 13:12–18 required Israel to purge evil from its midst; Benjamin’s refusal forced separation.

• The phrase anticipates 2 Corinthians 6:17, where separation from unrepentant wrongdoing safeguards holiness.

mobilized

Mobilization signals decisive, collective action.

• Judges 20:2 records chiefs, tribes, and peoples assembling “in the presence of the LORD,” grounding the campaign in divine authority.

• Similar urgent calls appear in 1 Samuel 11:7 and 2 Chronicles 20:1–4, where national crises move God’s people to gather swiftly.

• The readiness to act reinforces Romans 13:4, showing civil authority—here the tribal elders—wielding the sword against evildoers.

400,000 swordsmen

The large, specific number underscores the gravity of the offense.

• Comparable figures (Judges 20:2; 1 Samuel 15:4; 2 Samuel 24:9) reveal Israel’s capacity when fully mustered.

• The literal total emphasizes that justice required costly involvement, illustrating Psalm 94:16: “Who will rise up for me against the wicked?”

• Such transparency in numbers supports the historical reliability of Scripture.

each one an experienced warrior

Israel’s force was not a raw militia but battle-tested men.

• “Experienced warrior” parallels descriptions in 1 Chronicles 12:8 and 2 Samuel 1:19, where skillful fighters defend covenant purposes.

• Their competence contrasts with Benjamin’s elite 700 left-handed slingers (Judges 20:16), setting the scene for an evenly matched yet moral confrontation.

• God often employs human preparation (Proverbs 21:31) while retaining ultimate sovereignty over the outcome (Psalm 33:16–17).

summary

Judges 20:17 records a united Israel—excluding the unrepentant tribe of Benjamin—answering God’s call to confront internal wickedness. Their large, seasoned army demonstrates both the seriousness of the offense and the nation’s commitment to uphold covenant holiness, reminding believers that collective courage and preparedness are sometimes necessary to preserve righteousness within the people of God.

Verse 17. - A repetition of the statement in ver. 2.

CHAPTER 20:18-48

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Israelites,
וְאִ֨ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

apart from
לְבַד֙ (lə·ḇaḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 905: Separation, a part of the body, branch of a, tree, bar for, carrying, chief of

Benjamin,
מִבִּנְיָמִ֔ן (mib·bin·yā·min)
Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

mustered
הִתְפָּֽקְד֗וּ (hiṯ·pā·qə·ḏū)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

400,000
אַרְבַּ֨ע (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702: Four

swordsmen,
שֹׁ֣לֵֽף (šō·lêp̄)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8025: To pull out, up, off

each one
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

an experienced warrior.
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person


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OT History: Judges 20:17 The men of Israel besides Benjamin were (Jd Judg. Jdg)