Judges 20:7

Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now."

Study Bible

Behold
The word "behold" is often used in the Bible to draw attention to something significant. In Hebrew, it is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as a call to focus on what follows. It is a divine imperative to pause and consider the gravity of the situation. Here, it underscores the urgency and importance of the assembly's decision-making process. The use of "behold" invites the Israelites to recognize the seriousness of the moral and communal crisis they face.

all you Israelites
This phrase emphasizes the collective identity and responsibility of the people of Israel. The Hebrew term for Israelites, "יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Yisra'el), refers to the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel after wrestling with God. This collective address underscores the unity and shared covenantal obligations of the tribes. It is a call to national solidarity in addressing the sin that has occurred within the community, reminding them of their shared history and divine calling.

give your advice and counsel
The call to "give your advice and counsel" is an invitation for communal discernment and decision-making. In Hebrew, "עֵצָה" (etsah) means advice or counsel, often associated with wisdom and prudence. This reflects the biblical principle that in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). It highlights the importance of seeking collective wisdom and guidance in times of crisis, ensuring that decisions are made with careful consideration and alignment with God's will.

here and now
The phrase "here and now" conveys immediacy and urgency. The Hebrew context suggests a pressing need for action without delay. This urgency is due to the moral outrage and the need for justice following the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. It is a call to not only deliberate but to act decisively, reflecting the biblical theme that justice should not be postponed. The immediacy of the situation demands a response that aligns with God's righteousness and the covenantal laws that govern the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, who are gathered to address a grievous sin committed in the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is at the center of the conflict due to the heinous crime committed by some of its members.

3. Levite and His Concubine
The Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered by men from Gibeah, a city in Benjamin, which led to the assembly of the tribes.

4. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where the crime took place, sparking outrage among the other tribes.

5. Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to deliberate on the response to the crime committed in Gibeah.

Teaching Points

Communal Responsibility
The Israelites' gathering to address the sin in Benjamin underscores the importance of communal responsibility in dealing with sin. As believers, we are called to hold each other accountable and seek justice.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The call for advice and counsel highlights the need for seeking wisdom and guidance from God and godly leaders when addressing difficult situations.

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 20 remind us of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of addressing it promptly to prevent further harm.

Unity in Righteousness
The unity of the Israelite tribes in seeking justice serves as a model for the church to stand together in righteousness and truth.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Israel took initiative in addressing the sin, demonstrating the critical role of leadership in guiding the community towards righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the Israelites to the crime in Gibeah reflect the principle of communal responsibility in dealing with sin? How can this principle be applied in the church today?

2. In what ways does the call for advice and counsel in Judges 20:7 parallel the New Testament teachings on seeking godly wisdom? How can we ensure we are seeking and giving godly counsel in our communities?

3. What are the potential consequences of ignoring sin within a community, as seen in the account of the Levite and his concubine? How does this relate to the teachings in 1 Corinthians 5?

4. How can the unity of the Israelite tribes in addressing sin serve as a model for the church today? What steps can we take to foster unity in righteousness within our own communities?

5. What role do leaders play in addressing sin and guiding a community towards righteousness, as seen in Judges 20? How can we support and pray for our leaders in this important task?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
This passage provides instructions on how to deal with wickedness within a city, emphasizing the need for communal action against sin.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and its consequences for Israel highlights the importance of purging sin from the community.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Paul addresses the need for church discipline, drawing a parallel to the need for Israel to address sin within its community.

Matthew 18:15-17
Jesus outlines the process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of communal responsibility and action.