Judges 20:17

17 The men of Israel, excluding Benjamin, mobilized 400 divisions of sword-wielding fighting men.

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 In no time at all they had recruited from their cities twenty-six divisions of sword-wielding infantry. From Gibeah they got 700 hand-picked fighters, the best.
16 There were another 700 super marksmen who were ambidextrous - they could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
17 The men of Israel, excluding Benjamin, mobilized 400 divisions of sword-wielding fighting men.
18 They set out and went to Bethel to inquire of God. The People of Israel said, "Who of us shall be first to go into battle with the Benjaminites?" God said, "Judah goes first."
19 The People of Israel got up the next morning and camped before Gibeah.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.