שופטים, פרק כ׳, פסוק ל״ד

The tide of battle turns dramatically when a hidden force springs into action, catching the defending army completely unaware of their impending defeat. A fresh ambush unit of ten thousand men suddenly emerges from an unexpected direction [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This surprise attack by the hidden force [מצודת דוד] traps the men of Benjamin, leaving them completely surrounded. The primary approach among commentators is that these reinforcements arrive from the west [מלבי״ם], though older manuscript traditions suggest the attack actually comes from the south [מנחת שי].

With the defenders boxed in, the combat becomes incredibly intense. Despite the harsh reality of being surrounded, both armies continue to clash with immense strength and bravery [מצודת דוד]. The men of Benjamin fight with such stubborn determination because they are entirely unaware that disaster is already upon them [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. While the Israelites can already see the smoke rising from the conquered city, the defenders have not yet noticed it. Because their spirits remain unbroken, they continue to battle fiercely [מצודת דוד].

This moment represents the absolute climax of the conflict. It serves as a broad overview of the turning point, setting the stage for the precise, step-by-step details of how the defenders ultimately fall [מלבי״ם].