Judges 20:17

17 Israel gathered 400,000 men together. They were carrying swords. All of them were fighting men. That number didn't include the tribe of Benjamin.

Judges 20:17 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 20:17

And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin
Who did not join them in this affair, but opposed them,

were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword:
see ( Judges 20:9 )

all these were men of war;
inured to it, skilful and courageous.

Judges 20:17 In-Context

15 Right away the people of Benjamin gathered together 26,000 men from their towns. They were carrying swords. The men were added to the 700 who had been chosen from those who were living in Gibeah.

16 Among all of those men there were 700 who were left-handed. Each of them could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.

17 Israel gathered 400,000 men together. They were carrying swords. All of them were fighting men. That number didn't include the tribe of Benjamin.

18 The people of Israel went up to Bethel. There they spoke to God. They asked him, "Who will go up first and fight for us against the people of Benjamin?" The LORD answered, "The tribe of Judah will go first."

19 The next morning the people of Israel got up. They set up camp near Gibeah.