שופטים, פרק כ׳, פסוק ל״ט

The unfolding battle narrative takes a step back to reveal the precise mechanics of a massive defeat, detailing exactly how and where twenty-five thousand Benjaminite warriors ultimately fell [רש״י]. This careful recounting serves to fully explain the deceptive military tactics employed by the Israelite army [מלבי״ם]. The Israelites executed a deliberate, calculated retreat. By turning their backs and pretending to flee in panic, they aimed to draw the Benjaminite forces away from the safety of their city, severing their defensive lines and leading them directly toward a hidden ambush [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

As the Israelites staged this fake retreat, the Benjaminites managed to strike down about thirty Israelite soldiers. This momentary success acted as a fatal psychological trap. Seeing the opposing forces fall back, the Benjaminites mistakenly believed the Israelites were suffering a genuine defeat and running for their lives, just as they had in previous clashes [מצודת דוד, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Caught up in the thrill of the chase, the Benjaminites completely ignored the brief display of strength the Israelites had shown just moments before. Instead, they assumed their enemies' courage had simply evaporated. Blinded by overconfidence, they failed to sense the looming danger and eagerly pursued the retreating army straight into the waiting trap [מלבי״ם].