שופטים, פרק כ׳, פסוק כ״ט

The military campaign against the tribe of Benjamin takes on a highly calculated approach following a series of devastating defeats. This tactical shift is not merely a military decision but the direct result of a profound spiritual process. Having sought guidance from God through the Urim and Thummim and completed a process of repentance, He delivered the enemy into their hands, allowing the Israelites to confidently employ a strategic ambush [אברבנאל]. There is a strong parallel between this battle and Joshua's earlier conquest of the city of Ai. In both events, the Israelites initially suffered severe defeats due to a sin within their camp. Only after they repented did it become possible to successfully use the tactic of an ambush and secure a victory [אברבנאל, רלב״ג].

The strategy relied heavily on stealth and deception. Rather than using a single unit, multiple groups of fighters were positioned in various locations around the city [מלבי״ם]. These warriors lay in wait, completely concealed from the enemy [מצודת ציון]. The battle plan was executed with precise timing. The main Israelite army feigned a retreat, acting as though they were fleeing in order to draw the Benjamite forces out and pull them far away from their city.

While the Benjamites pursued, the hidden ambush force, consisting of ten thousand of Israel's bravest warriors, remained undetected in the valley. Once the retreating Israelites reached a location called Baal Tamar, they suddenly turned back and engaged the enemy in direct combat. This sudden turnaround served as a pre-arranged signal. Seeing this, the warriors in hiding immediately emerged from their positions, raided the now-defenseless city of Gibeah, and struck it down with the sword [רלב״ג].