Judges 20:10

We will take ten men out of every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand, to supply provisions for the army when they go to Gibeah in Benjamin to punish them for the atrocity they have committed in Israel."

Study Bible

We will take ten men out of a hundred
This phrase indicates a systematic and organized approach to addressing the crisis at hand. The selection of "ten men out of a hundred" suggests a tithe-like proportion, reflecting a principle of giving or dedicating a portion for a specific purpose. In the Hebrew context, the number ten often symbolizes completeness or a whole unit, indicating that the Israelites were committed to a complete and unified response. This reflects the seriousness with which they approached the sin in Gibeah, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and action.

from all the tribes of Israel
The inclusion of "all the tribes of Israel" underscores the unity and collective responsibility of the nation. Historically, the tribes of Israel were often fragmented, but this crisis called for a united front. This unity is significant, as it demonstrates the importance of communal integrity and justice in the face of moral corruption. Theologically, it reflects the biblical principle that the people of God are called to stand together against sin and injustice.

and a hundred out of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand
This escalating ratio further emphasizes the scale and seriousness of the response. The repetition of these numbers highlights the thoroughness and dedication required to address the sin in Gibeah. It also reflects the biblical theme of proportional justice and the need for adequate resources to confront evil. The structured mobilization of resources and manpower signifies the importance of preparation and commitment in the pursuit of righteousness.

to get provisions for the army
The phrase "to get provisions for the army" indicates the practical and logistical considerations necessary for the campaign. In ancient warfare, securing provisions was crucial for sustaining an army. This detail highlights the importance of preparation and foresight in any endeavor, especially when confronting sin and injustice. It also reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, ensuring that resources are wisely managed to achieve God's purposes.

so that when they come to Gibeah in Benjamin
The specific mention of "Gibeah in Benjamin" identifies the location of the atrocity and the tribe responsible. Gibeah's infamy is rooted in the grievous sin committed there, which necessitated a response from the entire nation. Theologically, this highlights the concept of accountability, where even a single tribe's sin can affect the whole community. It serves as a reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the need for vigilance and correction within the body of believers.

they may deal with them according to the atrocity they have committed in Israel
This phrase underscores the principle of justice and retribution. The term "atrocity" conveys the gravity of the sin, warranting a decisive and appropriate response. Biblically, justice is a central theme, and this passage reflects the need for sin to be addressed in a manner that upholds righteousness and deters future transgressions. It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the necessity of upholding God's standards within the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, who are gathering to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed, leading to the conflict.

3. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who are defending the perpetrators of the crime in Gibeah.

4. Levite
A man whose concubine was abused and murdered in Gibeah, sparking the outrage among the Israelites.

5. Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes to decide on a course of action against Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
The Israelites' decision to address the sin in Gibeah underscores the necessity of upholding justice within the community of believers.

Communal Responsibility
The passage highlights the collective responsibility of God's people to confront and rectify sin, ensuring the community remains holy.

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 20 remind us that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not just individuals but entire communities.

Seeking God's Guidance
Before taking action, believers should seek God's wisdom and guidance to ensure their actions align with His will.

Unity in Righteousness
The unity of the Israelite tribes in addressing the sin in Gibeah serves as a model for believers to unite in pursuing righteousness and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the Israelites to the sin in Gibeah reflect the biblical principle of communal responsibility for sin?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of seeking justice within our own communities today?

3. How does the account of Gibeah and the Benjamites illustrate the potential consequences of failing to address sin within a community?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' approach to seeking justice that can be applied to conflicts within the church?

5. How can we balance the call to seek justice with the biblical instruction to leave vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage discusses the response to idolatry and wickedness within Israel, emphasizing the need for communal purity and justice, similar to the Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and its consequences for Israel highlights the importance of addressing sin within the community to maintain God's favor.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks to leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' decision to take justice into their own hands.