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Judges 20:33
ESV And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and set themselves in array at Baal-tamar, and the men of Israel who were in ambush rushed out of their place from Maareh-geba.
NIV All the men of Israel moved from their places and took up positions at Baal Tamar, and the Israelite ambush charged out of its place on the west of Gibeah.
NASB Then all the men of Israel rose from their place and lined up at Baal-tamar; and the men of Israel in ambush charged from their place, from Maareh-geba.
CSB So all the men of Israel got up from their places and took their battle positions at Baal-tamar, while the Israelites in ambush charged out of their places west of Geba.
NLT When the main group of Israelite warriors reached Baal-tamar, they turned and took up their positions. Meanwhile, the Israelites hiding in ambush to the west of Gibeah jumped up to fight.
KJV And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baaltamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah.
NKJV So all the men of Israel rose from their place and put themselves in battle array at Baal Tamar. Then Israel’s men in ambush burst forth from their position in the plain of Geba.

What does Judges 20:33 mean?

The trap is sprung (Judges 20:29–32). The Israelites have lured the bulk of the fierce army of Benjamin away from the city of Gibeah by pretending to retreat. As hoped, the Benjaminites have given chase, pursuing the Israelites up the road that goes from Gibeah to Bethel.

Now, when the Benjaminite army is far enough from the city, two groups of Israelite soldiers emerge from hiding. The first group positions themselves at a place called Baal-tamar. Scholars are unsure exactly where this spot was, but it seems to have been a strategic spot behind the army of the Benjaminites. This group will cut off any attempt by Benjamin to return to the city.

The second group comes out of hiding at a place called Geba or Maareh-geba. This could be translated as a place name, or as a phrase meaning "the fields of Gibeah" or "west of Gibeah." This was close to Gibeah, itself. A group of specially chosen Israelite soldiers will attack the city now that Benjamin's army has been lured into a chase.
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