Judges 20:7
Behold, ye are all children of Israel, giue here your aduise and counsell. Judges 20:7 (KJV)
The book of Judges records the era after Joshua’s leadership, when Israel was ruled by a succession of judges. During this period the nation repeatedly turned away from God, suffered the consequences of disobedience, and was repeatedly called back to repentance. Judges 20 describes a tragic episode involving the tribe of Benjamin that escalated into a civil war among the Israelites.
Judges 20:7 records that “the children of Israel went out, and the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together.” The verse calls the assembled people to “give here your advice and counsel,” inviting the community to participate in decision‑making. Although the wording of “advice and counsel” is not repeated elsewhere in the chapter, the broader narrative shows that the Israelites regularly consulted leaders and elders when confronting serious crises. Earlier in the chapter (Judges 20:1‑2) the whole nation—from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead—assembled before the LORD at Mizpah, presenting “four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword,” a vivid picture of nationwide unity and commitment to address the emergency.
The assembly also sought divine direction. In Judges 20:3 the people “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.” This demonstrates the biblical principle that God’s guidance is sought through collective prayer and counsel.
Proverbs 11:14 reinforces this truth: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.”
The passage therefore teaches several timeless lessons. First, the involvement of both Israel and Benjamin shows that even in internal conflict the wider community is drawn into the resolution, highlighting the importance of communal involvement rather than isolated action. Second, the call for advice and counsel underscores the value of seeking wise, godly input before making difficult decisions. Third, the unity displayed—thousands gathering together under one purpose—illustrates the strength that comes from shared responsibility and mutual support.
For today’s believers, Judges 20:7 reminds us to involve trusted, experienced members of the body of Christ when facing challenging choices, to pray together for God’s direction, and to recognize that collective wisdom safeguards the community. By valuing the perspectives of fellow believers and submitting decisions to God’s will, we align ourselves with the biblical pattern of unity, counsel, and faithful action.
