“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.”
Context:The book of Judges tells the story of Israel’s transition from the leadership of Joshua to the period of the judges. During this time, Israel faced a cycle of disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, repentance, and deliverance by judges raised by God. The verse in question occurs during a period of civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of the Israelite tribes.
Background:Prior to this verse, an atrocity occurred in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin. A Levite and his concubine were staying in Gibeah when they were attacked by wicked men of the city, resulting in the death of the concubine. The Levite sent pieces of her body to the twelve tribes of Israel, calling for justice. In response, the tribes gathered together at Mizpah to address this grievous crime (Judges 19-20).
Gathering of the tribes:The verse describes the collective decision of the Israelite tribes to gather an army to confront the tribe of Benjamin for their refusal to deliver up the guilty men of Gibeah. The tribes determined to take men in proportion to their population to fetch supplies for the people. They chose ten men out of every hundred, a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand. This shows a systematic and organized approach to assemble a significant force for the impending conflict.
Purpose of the gathering:The purpose of gathering these men was to prepare for the military action against the tribe of Benjamin. The phrase “that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel” indicates that the Israelites intended to hold the tribe of Benjamin accountable for the evil committed in Gibeah. Their aim was to bring justice and restore order among the Israelites.
Lessons and application:This passage highlights several lessons for us today:
- Accountability:The Israelites recognized the need for accountability and justice when faced with evil within their community. It reminds us of the importance of upholding justice and dealing with wrongdoing in a responsible and fair manner.
- Unity:The tribes of Israel came together in unity to address a common problem. Unity among believers is crucial in times of crisis or when confronting evil. It demonstrates the power of collective action and cooperation.
- Consequences of sin:The verse underscores the consequences of the sinful actions committed in Gibeah. Sin often leads to strife, division, and further harm. It serves as a reminder to avoid sin and its destructive consequences in our own lives.
In summary, Judges 20:10 portrays the Israelite tribes gathering a force to confront the tribe of Benjamin over the wickedness committed in Gibeah. The verse emphasizes the need for accountability, unity, and the consequences of sin.
