Judges 20:6

Then I took my concubine, cut her into pieces, and sent her throughout the land of Israel's inheritance, because they had committed a lewd and disgraceful act in Israel.

Study Bible

I took my concubine
The term "concubine" in the Hebrew context refers to a woman who lives with a man but has lower status than his wife or wives. In ancient Israel, concubines were often considered part of the household and had certain rights, though not equal to those of a wife. The Hebrew word used here is "pilegesh," which indicates a recognized relationship, albeit one that reflects the patriarchal structure of the society. This phrase sets the stage for the gravity of the situation, as the concubine was under the protection of her partner, yet she became a victim of a heinous crime.

cut her into pieces
This phrase is shocking and gruesome, reflecting the severity of the crime committed against the concubine. The act of dismemberment was not only a response to the atrocity but also a symbolic gesture meant to provoke a reaction from the tribes of Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such acts were sometimes used to communicate urgency and demand justice. The Hebrew verb "nathach" implies a deliberate and methodical action, underscoring the Levite's desperation and the seriousness of the call to action.

and sent her throughout the land of Israel’s inheritance
The phrase "throughout the land of Israel’s inheritance" refers to the territories allotted to the tribes of Israel. The act of sending the pieces of the concubine to each tribe was a call for national assembly and judgment. It was a dramatic and unprecedented appeal to the collective conscience of Israel. The term "inheritance" (Hebrew: "nachalah") emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reminding the tribes of their shared identity and responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness in the land given to them by God.

because they had committed a lewd and disgraceful act in Israel
The words "lewd and disgraceful act" translate the Hebrew "zimmah," which denotes a heinous crime, often of a sexual nature, and "nebalah," meaning folly or outrage. This phrase highlights the moral and social corruption that had infiltrated the tribe of Benjamin, where the crime occurred. The use of these terms indicates not only a violation of social norms but also an affront to the holiness expected of God's people. The phrase serves as a moral indictment, calling the nation to recognize the depth of the sin and the need for communal repentance and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite's actions set off a chain of events leading to civil war. His decision to dismember his concubine and send her parts throughout Israel was a call to action against the atrocity committed in Gibeah.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine was the victim of a horrific crime in Gibeah. Her tragic death becomes the catalyst for the events that follow.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the crime against the concubine occurred. It becomes the focal point of Israel's outrage and subsequent military action.

4. The Israelites
The tribes of Israel, who are called to respond to the atrocity. Their reaction leads to a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.

5. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who initially refuse to surrender the perpetrators of the crime, leading to conflict with the other tribes of Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 20:6 illustrate the severe consequences of moral and spiritual decay within a community. When God's laws are ignored, chaos and injustice can prevail.

The Importance of Justice
The Levite's drastic actions underscore the need for justice in the face of evil. As believers, we are called to stand against injustice and seek righteousness.

The Role of Leadership
The lack of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to moral anarchy. This highlights the importance of having leaders who uphold God's standards.

Community Responsibility
The collective response of the tribes of Israel shows the importance of community responsibility in addressing sin and wrongdoing. As a body of believers, we must hold each other accountable.

The Dangers of Unchecked Sin
The account warns of the dangers of allowing sin to go unchecked within a community. It can lead to greater evils and ultimately, destruction.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Levite and his concubine reflect the spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways does the response of the Israelite tribes to the crime in Gibeah demonstrate the importance of communal action against sin?

3. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and accountability from this passage to our own church communities today?

4. What parallels can we draw between the events in Judges 20 and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and what do these parallels teach us about God's view of sin?

5. How can we ensure that we are not desensitized to sin and injustice in our own lives and communities, and what steps can we take to address these issues biblically?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The events in Gibeah echo the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting themes of hospitality, sexual immorality, and divine judgment.

Deuteronomy 13
The call to action against the Benjamites can be seen in light of the laws concerning idolatry and the need to purge evil from among the people.

1 Samuel 11
Saul's call to arms against the Ammonites by sending pieces of oxen throughout Israel parallels the Levite's actions, showing a cultural method of rallying the tribes.