And the people of Israel went up against the Benjaminites on the third day: The Hebrew waw conjunction rendered And may be translated “Then” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version) to introduce the next event. Once again the people of Israel and the Benjaminites are literally “the sons [or, children] of Israel” and “the sons [or, children] of Benjamin.” These two phrases underline the disaster that has come upon Israel, as the descendants of brothers fight against each other. For went up against, see verse 1.1. On the third day sets the time of this attack in relation to the second attack (verse 20.25). These words might suggest that there were three battles on three successive days, or possibly that this attack took place on the third day after the LORD gave his go-ahead. Given the enormous casualties, the movement of troops, and the efforts made to consult the LORD, this later scenario seems more realistic. It is possible in this context that the word day may mean “occasion” or “time.” For example, New American Bible says “for the third time.” Many languages will prefer to put this time phrase at the beginning of the verse.

And set themselves in array against Gibe-ah: Set themselves in array renders the same Hebrew verb translated “drew up [the battle] line” in verse 20.20. The Israelite troops positioned themselves for battle.

For as at other times (literally “as footstep by footstep”), see the comments on verse 16.20. While most of the Israelites were in hiding, waiting in ambush, many took battle positions as they always had, giving the impression that they were simply arranged for battle, as previously. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “as before,” which is a good rendering.

A translation model for this verse is:

• Then the Israelites went to attack the Benjaminites a third time, positioning themselves for battle against Gibeah, as they had previously.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .