Judges Chapter 20

In Judges 20, the chapter begins with the Israelites gathering together as one united community to seek justice and determine a course of action against the tribe of Benjamin. They assemble at Mizpah and learn about a horrific incident where a Levite’s concubine was abused and killed by some wicked men from the tribe of Benjamin. Outraged, the Israelites demand that the guilty individuals be handed over for punishment, but the tribe of Benjamin refuses to comply.

As a result, the rest of Israel prepares for war against Benjamin. They inquire of God and are directed to attack Benjamin first. However, despite having a larger army, the Israelites suffer heavy losses in the initial battles. Seeking guidance once again, they approach God, and this time they receive a different strategy. In subsequent battles, the Israelites manage to defeat Benjamin and lay siege to their cities.

The chapter concludes with the Israelites mourning the destruction caused by the war and deliberating on how to rebuild the tribe of Benjamin to prevent its extinction. They devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjaminites, ensuring the tribe’s continuation while also condemning the men of Jabesh-gilead for not participating in the war.

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