“And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds.”
This verse concludes the account of a tragic incident that occurs earlier in Judges 19. The story revolves around a Levite and his concubine. The Levite and his concubine were traveling and sought shelter in the town of Gibeah, which belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. However, the inhabitants of Gibeah were wicked, and instead of providing them safety and hospitality, they subjected the Levite’s concubine to horrific abuse throughout the night. She ultimately died as a result of the mistreatment.
The Levite, upon discovering his concubine’s lifeless body, took it back to his home. In response, he decided to dismember her body into twelve pieces and sent these parts throughout the territory of Israel, calling attention to the appalling act committed by the men of Gibeah. Judges 19:30, captures the response of the people who witnessed this shocking event.
The phrase “There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day” highlights the magnitude of the atrocity committed in Gibeah. It signifies that the Israelites were appalled by the wickedness displayed, and it surpassed any previous acts of evil they had encountered in their history.
The latter part of the verse, “consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds,” is an invitation for the people to reflect on the situation and discuss the appropriate course of action. The gruesome incident served as a catalyst, leading to the subsequent events described in the following chapters of the book of Judges, including the retribution against the tribe of Benjamin and the restoration of order among the Israelites.
Overall, Judges 19:30:serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of widespread wickedness and the need for justice and righteous judgment. It emphasizes the importance of reflecting on such events and seeking collective counsel to address the issues at hand.
