Judges 20:8

Then all the people stood as one man and said, "Not one of us will return to his tent or to his house.

Study Bible

Then all the people
This phrase indicates a collective unity among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "people" here is "עָם" (am), which often refers to a nation or community bound by common identity and purpose. In the context of Judges, this unity is significant as it contrasts with the frequent disunity and moral decline seen throughout the book. Historically, this moment of unity is rare and underscores the gravity of the situation they are addressing.

stood as one man
The phrase "stood as one man" is a powerful image of solidarity and unanimity. The Hebrew word "אִישׁ" (ish) for "man" emphasizes individuality, yet here it is used to describe a collective action, highlighting the miraculous nature of their unity. This unity is reminiscent of other biblical moments where God's people come together for a common cause, such as the building of the Tabernacle or the conquest of Canaan. It suggests divine intervention or inspiration, as such unity is often seen as a sign of God's presence and blessing.

saying, 'We will not go to our tents
The decision "We will not go to our tents" reflects a commitment to action and a refusal to return to normal life until justice is served. The tent, or "אֹהֶל" (ohel) in Hebrew, symbolizes personal and familial life. By choosing not to return to their tents, the Israelites are prioritizing communal justice over personal comfort. This decision is a call to sacrificial action, reminiscent of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, where they lived in tents and relied on God's guidance.

nor will we return to our homes
The phrase "nor will we return to our homes" further emphasizes their resolve. The Hebrew word for "homes" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can also mean household or family. This decision underscores the seriousness of their commitment, as they are willing to leave behind their families and daily lives to address the sin within their community. It reflects a deep sense of responsibility and accountability, aligning with the biblical principle that justice and righteousness must be pursued even at personal cost.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed against a Levite's concubine, leading to national outrage.

3. The Levite
A man whose concubine was abused and killed in Gibeah, prompting him to call for justice from the tribes of Israel.

4. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who were initially unwilling to surrender the perpetrators of the crime in Gibeah.

5. The Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to decide on a course of action against the tribe of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

Unity in Righteous Indignation
The Israelites' unified response to the sin in Gibeah demonstrates the importance of collective action against injustice and immorality.

The Cost of Inaction
The decision not to return to their homes until justice was served highlights the necessity of prioritizing righteousness over personal comfort.

Corporate Responsibility
The passage underscores the responsibility of the community to address sin within its midst, a principle applicable to the church today.

The Danger of Tribalism
The initial reluctance of the Benjamites to surrender the guilty parties warns against placing tribal or group loyalty above moral and divine law.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's call to action and the assembly's response illustrate the need for decisive leadership in confronting sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the unity of the Israelites in Judges 20:8 teach us about the importance of collective action in addressing sin within a community?

2. How can we apply the principle of not returning to our "tents" until justice is served in our personal lives and communities today?

3. In what ways does the account of Gibeah and the Benjamites warn us about the dangers of prioritizing group loyalty over righteousness?

4. How can the church today reflect the corporate responsibility seen in Judges 20:8 when dealing with sin and injustice?

5. What lessons can we learn from the leadership shown in this passage, and how can we apply them to our roles in our families, churches, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage discusses the importance of purging evil from among the people, which connects to the Israelites' determination to address the sin in Gibeah.

Joshua 22
The tribes of Israel gather to address a potential breach of faith, similar to their assembly in Judges 20.

1 Samuel 11
The unity of Israel under Saul against the Ammonites reflects the unity seen in Judges 20:8.

Romans 12
The call for believers to live in harmony and unity, paralleling the Israelites' unified response.

1 Corinthians 5
The New Testament call for church discipline and purity, echoing the Old Testament call for purging sin from the community.