“But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.”
Historical Context:The book of Judges is set in a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, where the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land but had not yet established a centralized monarchy. During this time, the Israelites were governed by a series of leaders called judges. Judges 20 is part of a narrative that describes a tragic incident involving the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.
The Background:In Judges 19, a Levite man and his concubine encountered a terrible incident in the city of Gibeah, which was in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The men of the city committed a grave act of sexual violence against the concubine, leading to her death. Outraged by this wickedness, the Levite cut her body into pieces and sent them to all the tribes of Israel. This event sparked a nationwide outcry for justice.
Assembling for Battle:Judges 20:14 describes the response of the other tribes of Israel to the atrocity committed in Gibeah. The children of Benjamin, who were the fellow Israelites of the tribe residing in Gibeah, gathered together to prepare for battle against the rest of the Israelites. The tribes united to confront Benjamin and seek justice for the crime committed.
Seeking Resolution:The following chapters in the book of Judges detail the military conflict that ensued between the tribe of Benjamin and the remaining tribes of Israel. Despite Benjamin’s initial victories, they ultimately suffered defeat, and their cities were destroyed. This series of events led to the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin.
Lessons and Reflections:The incident recorded in Judges 20:14 highlights several important lessons:
- The Importance of Justice:The terrible crime committed in Gibeah revealed the need for justice within the community of God’s people. The response of the tribes in rallying together demonstrates the importance of upholding righteousness and seeking justice when evil occurs.
- Consequences of Sin:The incident also shows the devastating consequences of sin. The actions of the men of Gibeah brought great tragedy upon themselves and the entire tribe of Benjamin. Sin not only affects individuals but can also impact the wider community.
- Unity and Restoration:The events that unfolded in Judges 20 illustrate the power of unity and reconciliation. Although the tribes fought against Benjamin, the ultimate goal was to bring about repentance and restoration. Following the battle, the remaining members of the tribe of Benjamin were given wives from the other tribes, ensuring the survival and continuation of the tribe.
- God’s Sovereignty:While the book of Judges recounts numerous instances of human sin and failure, it also highlights God’s sovereign control over history. God allowed these events to unfold as part of His plan to bring about justice and establish His purposes among His people.
In summary, Judges 20:14 recounts the gathering of the tribe of Benjamin to go to battle against the other tribes of Israel, following a horrific incident in Gibeah. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, the consequences of sin, the power of unity and restoration, and God’s sovereignty in the midst of human actions.
