Judges 20:9

Now this is what we will do to Gibeah: We will go against it as the lot dictates.

Study Bible

We will do this to Gibeah
This phrase indicates a collective decision made by the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew root for "do" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies action and execution, suggesting a determined and unified response. Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, had become infamous due to the grievous sin committed there, as recounted in Judges 19. The historical context reveals a time of moral decay and lawlessness in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This phrase underscores the necessity of justice and the communal responsibility to address sin within the nation.

We will go against it
The phrase "go against" (נַעֲלֶה, na'aleh) conveys a sense of military action and confrontation. The Hebrew root suggests an upward movement, often used in the context of going up to battle or to a place of significance. This reflects the Israelites' resolve to confront the sin in Gibeah directly. Historically, this was a period when tribal confederations acted together to address issues that threatened the moral and social fabric of the nation. The phrase emphasizes the seriousness with which the Israelites approached the need for justice and the eradication of evil from among them.

as the lot dictates
The use of "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral) in decision-making reflects an ancient practice of seeking divine guidance. The casting of lots was a common method in Israel for discerning God's will, as seen in other scriptural instances like the division of the Promised Land (Joshua 18:10) and the selection of Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:20-21). This practice underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and the desire to align human actions with divine purposes. In this context, it highlights the Israelites' dependence on God to guide their actions against Gibeah, ensuring that their response was not merely human retribution but divinely sanctioned justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where a grievous crime was committed against a Levite's concubine, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes of Israel.

2. The Levite
A man whose concubine was abused and killed in Gibeah, sparking outrage and a call for retribution among the tribes of Israel.

3. The Tribes of Israel
The collective tribes, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the atrocity committed in Gibeah and sought to bring justice.

4. The Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe that defended the inhabitants of Gibeah, leading to a civil conflict with the other tribes of Israel.

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

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
The Israelites' decision to act against Gibeah underscores the necessity of addressing sin and injustice within a community. As believers, we are called to uphold justice and righteousness in our own lives and communities.

Seeking God's Guidance
The casting of lots to determine the course of action reflects a desire to seek divine guidance. In our decisions, we should seek God's will through prayer and scripture.

Communal Responsibility
The collective response of the tribes highlights the concept of communal responsibility. As members of the body of Christ, we share in the responsibility to support and correct one another in love.

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the far-reaching consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

Unity in Righteous Action
The unity of the tribes in addressing the sin in Gibeah demonstrates the power of collective action in pursuing righteousness. As Christians, we are stronger when we stand together in truth and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the response of the Israelite tribes to the crime in Gibeah teach us about the importance of addressing sin within our communities?

2. How can we ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's will, as demonstrated by the casting of lots in Judges 20:9?

3. In what ways can we take responsibility for the spiritual health of our community, similar to the collective action of the Israelite tribes?

4. How does the account of Gibeah and the subsequent conflict with Benjamin illustrate the consequences of unaddressed sin?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and collective action in our church or community when addressing issues of injustice or sin?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
The process of dealing with a city that has committed abominations, emphasizing the need for justice and purging evil from among the people.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and the communal responsibility of Israel, highlighting the importance of addressing sin within the community.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human justice with divine justice.