Judges 20:20

And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin and took up their battle positions at Gibeah.

Study Bible

And the men of Israel
This phrase refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can mean man or husband, but in this context, it signifies the warriors or fighting men of Israel. Historically, this reflects a time when the tribes of Israel were a loose confederation, often acting independently but uniting for common causes. The unity of the tribes against Benjamin underscores the gravity of the internal conflict and the moral outrage that had been provoked by the events leading up to this battle.

went out to fight
The Hebrew verb "יָצָא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth, often used in military contexts to describe going out to battle. This action signifies a deliberate and organized response to the atrocity committed in Gibeah, as described in the preceding chapters. The Israelites' decision to fight indicates their commitment to justice and the seriousness with which they viewed the sin of the Benjamites. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s people being called to stand against evil.

against Benjamin
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, is now the adversary. This internal conflict is significant as it highlights the deep divisions and moral decay within the nation. The Hebrew name "בִּנְיָמִין" (Binyamin) means "son of the right hand," often associated with strength and favor. The tragic irony here is that a tribe known for its strength is now in opposition to the rest of Israel due to its defense of grievous sin. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tribal loyalty superseding righteousness.

and took up their battle positions
The phrase indicates strategic military preparation. The Hebrew root "עָרַךְ" (arak) means to arrange or set in order, often used in the context of preparing for battle. This preparation underscores the seriousness and the organized nature of the conflict. It reflects the Israelites' determination to address the sin in their midst, aligning with the biblical principle of confronting and purging evil to maintain holiness among God’s people.

at Gibeah
Gibeah, a city within the territory of Benjamin, is central to the narrative. The Hebrew "גִּבְעָה" (Giv'ah) means "hill," indicating its geographical setting. Archaeologically, Gibeah has been identified with Tell el-Ful, providing historical context to the narrative. The city is infamous for the heinous crime committed there, which catalyzed the conflict. Gibeah's mention serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for justice, echoing throughout the biblical narrative as a place of moral failure and divine judgment.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Men of Israel
Refers to the collective tribes of Israel, excluding the tribe of Benjamin, who are preparing for battle against their fellow Israelites due to a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is defending itself against the other tribes due to the actions of some of its members in Gibeah.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed, leading to the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

4. Battle Positions
The strategic arrangement of troops in preparation for combat, indicating the seriousness and organization of the impending conflict.

5. Conflict
The broader event of civil war within Israel, sparked by moral outrage and the need for justice, highlighting the consequences of sin and disunity among God's people.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
Sin has communal consequences, and the people of God must take it seriously, seeking justice and righteousness in their communities.

Unity and Division
The conflict between the tribes highlights the dangers of division within the body of believers. Unity must be pursued, but not at the expense of righteousness.

Righteous Judgment
The Israelites' decision to confront Benjamin reflects the need for righteous judgment and accountability within the community of faith.

Preparation for Spiritual Battles
Just as the Israelites took up battle positions, believers must be spiritually prepared to confront sin and uphold God's standards.

The Cost of Disobedience
The civil war serves as a reminder of the high cost of disobedience to God's laws and the importance of aligning with His will.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the response of the men of Israel to the sin in Gibeah teach us about the importance of addressing sin within our own communities?

2. How can we apply the principle of unity in the body of Christ while still upholding righteousness and justice?

3. In what ways does the account of the conflict with Benjamin challenge us to consider the communal impact of individual sin?

4. How can we prepare ourselves spiritually to confront sin and uphold God's standards in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on a time when disobedience to God's commands led to personal or communal consequences. How can this passage guide us in seeking restoration and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
Discusses the importance of purging evil from among the people, which connects to the Israelites' motivation to confront the sin in Gibeah.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and its impact on the community, illustrating how individual sin can lead to collective consequences and the need for communal responsibility.

1 Samuel 15
Saul's disobedience and the resulting divine judgment, paralleling the theme of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of failing to uphold righteousness.