Judges 20:5

And during the night, the men of Gibeah rose up against me and surrounded the house. They intended to kill me, but they abused my concubine, and she died.

Study Bible

And the leaders of Gibeah
The term "leaders" here refers to the prominent men or elders of the city of Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. In Hebrew, the word used is "ba'alei," which can mean "masters" or "lords," indicating those with authority and responsibility. Historically, Gibeah was a significant city, and its leaders were expected to uphold justice and righteousness. However, their actions in this narrative reveal a deep moral and spiritual corruption, highlighting the period's chaotic and lawless nature, as described in Judges: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

rose up against me
This phrase indicates an act of aggression and hostility. The Hebrew root "qum" means to rise or stand up, often used in contexts of confrontation or rebellion. The Levite, who is recounting this event, emphasizes the deliberate and violent nature of the leaders' actions. This rising up against him symbolizes a broader rebellion against God's covenant and order, reflecting the spiritual decline of Israel during the time of the Judges.

and surrounded the house at night
The act of surrounding the house at night suggests a premeditated and cowardly attack, taking advantage of the cover of darkness. In ancient times, night was often associated with evil deeds and danger, as it provided concealment for malicious activities. This imagery evokes a sense of impending doom and highlights the vulnerability of the Levite and his concubine. It also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual darkness that had enveloped Israel, where justice and righteousness were overshadowed by sin and lawlessness.

intending to kill me
The intention to kill underscores the severity of the threat faced by the Levite. The Hebrew word "harag" means to slay or murder, indicating a deliberate and malicious intent. This reflects the extreme moral decay in Gibeah, where human life was devalued, and violence was rampant. In a broader biblical context, this mirrors the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, leading to a society where life is not cherished, and evil prevails.

and they raped my concubine
This phrase reveals the horrific and brutal nature of the crime committed. The Hebrew word "anah" means to afflict or oppress, often used in contexts of sexual violence. The concubine's suffering is a tragic consequence of the leaders' depravity and the community's failure to protect the vulnerable. This act of violence is not only a personal tragedy but also a national disgrace, highlighting the need for repentance and a return to God's righteous standards.

and she died
The death of the concubine is the tragic culmination of the events in Gibeah. Her death serves as a powerful indictment of the moral and spiritual state of Israel. In the Hebrew text, the word "muth" means to die, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of the crime. This event becomes a catalyst for the subsequent civil war between the tribes of Israel and Benjamin, illustrating the destructive consequences of sin and the urgent need for justice and reconciliation in the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Leaders of Gibeah
These were the men responsible for the heinous act against the Levite's concubine. Gibeah was a city in the territory of Benjamin.

2. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi who was traveling with his concubine. He is the narrator of the events in this verse.

3. The Concubine
The woman who was brutally abused and ultimately died as a result of the actions of the men of Gibeah.

4. Gibeah
A city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, known for the grievous sin committed by its inhabitants.

5. The House
The location where the Levite and his concubine sought refuge, only to be besieged by the men of Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws and moral standards. It is crucial for individuals and communities to uphold righteousness to prevent such atrocities.

The Importance of Justice
The account calls for justice against the perpetrators of evil. As Christians, we are called to seek justice and protect the vulnerable, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and mercy.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Gibeah failed in their duty to protect and uphold justice. This serves as a warning to those in positions of authority to lead with integrity and accountability.

The Value of Human Life
The tragic death of the concubine underscores the sanctity of human life. Christians are called to honor and protect life, recognizing each person as made in the image of God.

Repentance and Restoration
The account invites reflection on the need for repentance and the possibility of restoration. Even in the face of grave sin, God's grace offers a path to redemption for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Gibeah reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways can the events in Gibeah serve as a warning to contemporary society about the dangers of moral relativism?

3. How can Christians today advocate for justice and protection for the vulnerable in their communities, drawing from the lessons in Judges 20:5?

4. What responsibilities do leaders have in preventing and addressing injustices, and how can they be held accountable according to biblical principles?

5. How does the theme of repentance and restoration in the Bible offer hope in situations of deep moral failure, as seen in the account of Gibeah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The events in Gibeah parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where men sought to commit a similar atrocity against Lot's guests. This connection highlights the recurring theme of human depravity and the need for divine justice.

Deuteronomy 22
This passage outlines laws regarding sexual immorality and the protection of women, emphasizing the gravity of the crime committed in Gibeah.

Romans 1
Paul discusses the consequences of turning away from God, which can lead to moral decay and societal breakdown, as seen in the events at Gibeah.