“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.”
Context:The book of Judges is set in a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua when the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land. The book narrates a cycle of the Israelites’ disobedience, oppression by foreign nations, repentance, and God raising up judges to deliver them. Judges 20 is part of a larger account of the Israelites’ response to the horrific incident involving a Levite’s concubine in Gibeah.
Historical Background:
- The story in Judges 19-21 takes place during a time of moral decline and spiritual apostasy in Israel.
- The Levite’s concubine was mistreated and sexually violated by the men of Gibeah, which resulted in her death.
- The Levite, seeking justice, dismembered her body and sent pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel, stirring up national outrage.
The Levite’s Account:
- In verse 5, the Levite recounts the horrific events that took place. The men of Gibeah rose against him, surrounded his house at night, and intended to kill him.
- To protect himself, the Levite offered his concubine to the men, who subsequently abused her to the point of death.
- This incident highlights the severe moral degradation prevalent in the society at that time.
Seeking Justice and National Response:
- The Levite’s actions in dismembering his concubine’s body and sending the pieces throughout Israel were intended to provoke a response.
- The Israelites were deeply disturbed by the gruesome account, which led them to gather together as one nation to address the situation.
Assembling for War:
- Following the Levite’s call to action, representatives from all the tribes of Israel gathered to discuss and seek justice for the atrocity committed in Gibeah.
- The assembly resolved to confront the tribe of Benjamin, to which Gibeah belonged, demanding that they hand over the guilty individuals for punishment.
Divine Guidance:
- Before going to war against the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites sought guidance from God. They inquired of the Lord and received instructions to go into battle.
- Through the course of their military campaigns against Benjamin, God directed the Israelites on when and how to engage in combat.
Lessons and Application:
- Judges 20:5 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral decay and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and society.
- It illustrates the importance of seeking justice and standing against evil, even when it originates from within one’s own community.
- The incident in Gibeah demonstrates the need for righteous leadership and a commitment to upholding God’s standards of justice and morality.
Overall, Judges 20:5 highlights the gravity of the situation in Gibeah and sets the stage for the subsequent events and battles that occur in the following chapters. It underscores the need for justice, accountability, and the pursuit of righteousness in the face of evil.
