Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the Lord in Mizpeh.
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.
(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?
And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.
And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.
And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.
But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;
And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?
Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:
But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.
And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.
Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first.
And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah.
And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.
And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.
And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.
(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until even, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the Lord said, Go up against him.)
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.
And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,
And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the Lord said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.
And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.
And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.
And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baal–tamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah.
And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them.
And the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.
So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.
And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.
And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.
And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.
Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.
Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour.
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour.
But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.
And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.
Judges 20 focuses on the tragic civil war that erupts between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel, a direct consequence of the heinous crime committed in Gibeah (Judges 19). This chapter reveals the devastating consequences of unchecked sin, misplaced loyalties, and the importance of seeking God's will with a pure heart. The events in Judges 20 serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of unity and the destructive power of moral decay within a community.
The Assembly at Mizpah (Judges 20:1-7)
Following the shocking events of Judges 19, representatives from eleven tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah, a site strategically located not far from Gibeah (Judges 19:14, 20:1). This assembly signifies a unified response to the atrocity. The Levite whose concubine was murdered recounts the horrific events, stirring righteous anger and a determination to bring justice (Judges 20:4-7). The scale of the assembly, with armed men present, indicates a pre-determined course of action: to hold Gibeah accountable. The Hebrew word "eleph" may refer to "thousands" or "divisions," and Israel sends four hundred to Mizpah. Benjamin's tribe notices what is happening but does not attend the meeting.
An Invitation Refused (Judges 20:8-17)
Before resorting to violence, the Israelites extend an invitation to the tribe of Benjamin, urging them to hand over the guilty men of Gibeah so that justice can be served and evil eradicated from Israel (Judges 20:12-13). This act reveals a desire to avoid bloodshed and maintain unity. However, the Benjaminites, driven by a misplaced sense of loyalty to their own town, refuse to cooperate, choosing instead to defend the perpetrators (Judges 20:13). This decision sets the stage for a devastating civil war. The Benjaminites, numbering only about one-fifteenth the size of the Israelite army, choose to defend Gibeah (Judges 20:15-17).
This raises a crucial question: Are we willing to endorse what is wrong for the sake of a relationship? The Benjaminites' loyalty to their town trumped their relationship with the people of God, a dangerous precedent.
Seeking God's Guidance (Judges 20:18-28)
Before engaging in battle, the Israelite leaders seek God's guidance at Bethel, where the ark of the covenant was located (Judges 20:18, 27). They inquire which tribe should lead the attack, and the Lord directs them to Judah (Judges 20:18). However, the first two attempts to take Gibeah result in humiliating defeats, with significant losses for the Israelites (Judges 20:21, 25).
These initial failures prompt the Israelites to re-evaluate their approach. They return to Bethel, mourn their losses, and offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord (Judges 20:26). This act of humility and repentance signifies a deeper recognition of their need for God's favor. Only then do they inquire of the Lord again, seeking assurance of victory. This time, God promises success (Judges 20:28).
Tony Evans points out a crucial lesson here: In the first two battles, the Israelites prayed and inquired of God while allowing unaddressed sin to linger in their midst. Before the third battle, they offered a burnt offering to sacrifice for their sins and a fellowship offering to make sure there was harmony between them and the Lord. Before expecting Him to overrule circumstances, we must deal with any known sin in our lives (James 1:19-21).
The Battle and the Aftermath (Judges 20:29-48)
The Israelites employ a new strategy, using an ambush to draw the Benjaminites out of Gibeah (Judges 20:29-34). This tactic proves successful, leading to a decisive victory for Israel. The Benjaminites are routed, and their army is nearly annihilated (Judges 20:35). The Israelites then sweep through the territory of Benjamin, inflicting widespread destruction on people, animals, and property (Judges 20:48). The consequences are dire: the tribe of Benjamin is almost completely exterminated, with only a small remnant of soldiers escaping (Judges 20:48).
Lessons and Reflections from Judges 20
Judges 20 offers several important lessons:
- The Devastating Consequences of Sin: The chapter highlights the destructive power of sin, not only for individuals but also for entire communities. The unchecked sin in Gibeah leads to a civil war and the near annihilation of a tribe.
- The Importance of Righteous Judgment: The Israelites' initial desire to bring justice to Gibeah was commendable. However, the conflict reveals the challenges of administering justice fairly and without excessive force.
- The Need for Humility and Repentance: The Israelites' initial defeats underscore the importance of seeking God's guidance with a humble and repentant heart. True victory comes not through military might but through obedience to God's will.
- The Fragility of Unity: The civil war between Benjamin and the rest of Israel demonstrates the fragility of unity and the importance of working to maintain peace and harmony within the community of faith.
- Misplaced Loyalty: The Benjaminites chose to protect evil within their own tribe rather than standing up for what was right.
The events of Judges 20 serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of upholding righteousness, seeking God's guidance, and prioritizing unity within the body of Christ. The chapter also underscores the devastating consequences of choosing misplaced loyalties over obedience to God's commands.
Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer–sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the Lord in Mizpeh.
And the chief of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword.
(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?
And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.
And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead.
And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.
And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.
But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;
And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?
Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:
But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.
And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men.
Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss.
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these were men of war.
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first.
And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah.
And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah.
And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.
And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.
(And the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until even, and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother? And the Lord said, Go up against him.)
And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.
And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.
Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord, and fasted that day until even, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
And the children of Israel enquired of the Lord, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,
And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days,) saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease? And the Lord said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand.
And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah.
And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.
And the children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to smite of the people, and kill, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goeth up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah in the field, about thirty men of Israel.
And the children of Benjamin said, They are smitten down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them from the city unto the highways.
And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place, and put themselves in array at Baal–tamar: and the liers in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even out of the meadows of Gibeah.
And there came against Gibeah ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle was sore: but they knew not that evil was near them.
And the Lord smote Benjamin before Israel: and the children of Israel destroyed of the Benjamites that day twenty and five thousand and an hundred men: all these drew the sword.
So the children of Benjamin saw that they were smitten: for the men of Israel gave place to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the liers in wait which they had set beside Gibeah.
And the liers in wait hasted, and rushed upon Gibeah; and the liers in wait drew themselves along, and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.
Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city.
And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite and kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the first battle.
But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven.
And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them.
Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which came out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them.
Thus they inclosed the Benjamites round about, and chased them, and trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising.
And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour.
And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.
So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these were men of valour.
But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.
And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of every city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to.
Judges 20 focuses on the tragic civil war that erupts between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel, a direct consequence of the heinous crime committed in Gibeah (Judges 19). This chapter reveals the devastating consequences of unchecked sin, misplaced loyalties, and the importance of seeking God's will with a pure heart. The events in Judges 20 serve as a sobering reminder of the fragility of unity and the destructive power of moral decay within a community.
The Assembly at Mizpah (Judges 20:1-7)
Following the shocking events of Judges 19, representatives from eleven tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah, a site strategically located not far from Gibeah (Judges 19:14, 20:1). This assembly signifies a unified response to the atrocity. The Levite whose concubine was murdered recounts the horrific events, stirring righteous anger and a determination to bring justice (Judges 20:4-7). The scale of the assembly, with armed men present, indicates a pre-determined course of action: to hold Gibeah accountable. The Hebrew word "eleph" may refer to "thousands" or "divisions," and Israel sends four hundred to Mizpah. Benjamin's tribe notices what is happening but does not attend the meeting.
An Invitation Refused (Judges 20:8-17)
Before resorting to violence, the Israelites extend an invitation to the tribe of Benjamin, urging them to hand over the guilty men of Gibeah so that justice can be served and evil eradicated from Israel (Judges 20:12-13). This act reveals a desire to avoid bloodshed and maintain unity. However, the Benjaminites, driven by a misplaced sense of loyalty to their own town, refuse to cooperate, choosing instead to defend the perpetrators (Judges 20:13). This decision sets the stage for a devastating civil war. The Benjaminites, numbering only about one-fifteenth the size of the Israelite army, choose to defend Gibeah (Judges 20:15-17).
This raises a crucial question: Are we willing to endorse what is wrong for the sake of a relationship? The Benjaminites' loyalty to their town trumped their relationship with the people of God, a dangerous precedent.
Seeking God's Guidance (Judges 20:18-28)
Before engaging in battle, the Israelite leaders seek God's guidance at Bethel, where the ark of the covenant was located (Judges 20:18, 27). They inquire which tribe should lead the attack, and the Lord directs them to Judah (Judges 20:18). However, the first two attempts to take Gibeah result in humiliating defeats, with significant losses for the Israelites (Judges 20:21, 25).
These initial failures prompt the Israelites to re-evaluate their approach. They return to Bethel, mourn their losses, and offer burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord (Judges 20:26). This act of humility and repentance signifies a deeper recognition of their need for God's favor. Only then do they inquire of the Lord again, seeking assurance of victory. This time, God promises success (Judges 20:28).
Tony Evans points out a crucial lesson here: In the first two battles, the Israelites prayed and inquired of God while allowing unaddressed sin to linger in their midst. Before the third battle, they offered a burnt offering to sacrifice for their sins and a fellowship offering to make sure there was harmony between them and the Lord. Before expecting Him to overrule circumstances, we must deal with any known sin in our lives (James 1:19-21).
The Battle and the Aftermath (Judges 20:29-48)
The Israelites employ a new strategy, using an ambush to draw the Benjaminites out of Gibeah (Judges 20:29-34). This tactic proves successful, leading to a decisive victory for Israel. The Benjaminites are routed, and their army is nearly annihilated (Judges 20:35). The Israelites then sweep through the territory of Benjamin, inflicting widespread destruction on people, animals, and property (Judges 20:48). The consequences are dire: the tribe of Benjamin is almost completely exterminated, with only a small remnant of soldiers escaping (Judges 20:48).
Lessons and Reflections from Judges 20
Judges 20 offers several important lessons:
- The Devastating Consequences of Sin: The chapter highlights the destructive power of sin, not only for individuals but also for entire communities. The unchecked sin in Gibeah leads to a civil war and the near annihilation of a tribe.
- The Importance of Righteous Judgment: The Israelites' initial desire to bring justice to Gibeah was commendable. However, the conflict reveals the challenges of administering justice fairly and without excessive force.
- The Need for Humility and Repentance: The Israelites' initial defeats underscore the importance of seeking God's guidance with a humble and repentant heart. True victory comes not through military might but through obedience to God's will.
- The Fragility of Unity: The civil war between Benjamin and the rest of Israel demonstrates the fragility of unity and the importance of working to maintain peace and harmony within the community of faith.
- Misplaced Loyalty: The Benjaminites chose to protect evil within their own tribe rather than standing up for what was right.
The events of Judges 20 serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of upholding righteousness, seeking God's guidance, and prioritizing unity within the body of Christ. The chapter also underscores the devastating consequences of choosing misplaced loyalties over obedience to God's commands.