The men of Israel turned again, &c. Left their pursuit of the Benjamites in the wilderness, and turned toward the country of Benjamin. Those that came to Gibeah and into the field, whom the Israelites had already destroyed, were men that drew the sword, that is, soldiers. But there were a great many husbandmen, shepherds, and others, whom, in their fury, they now slew. And all that came to hand Even women and children. For they had devoted to destruction all that came not up to Mizpeh, when they were summoned, (Judges 21:5,) which none of the Benjamites did; for which reason they slew also the men, women, and children of Jabesh-gilead, Judges 21:10. But this was certainly a most inhuman barbarity, expressly contrary to the laws of God, which had forbidden the innocent to be punished with the guilty, Deuteronomy 24:16.
Related Commentaries of Judges 20:48
Judges 20:48
48 And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand:i also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.