Background and Context:
The account of Benjamin's refusal and preparation for battle is found in the Book of Judges, chapters 19-20. This narrative unfolds during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by social and moral chaos in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The account begins with a heinous crime committed in the Benjamite city of Gibeah, which leads to a civil conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel.

The Crime at Gibeah:
The incident that sparked the conflict involved a Levite and his concubine. While traveling, they sought refuge in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. The men of Gibeah, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surrounded the house where the Levite was staying and demanded to abuse him. To protect himself, the Levite sent out his concubine, who was brutally abused and left for dead. The Levite, upon discovering her lifeless body, dismembered her and sent the pieces throughout Israel as a call to action against the atrocity.

Israel's Response:
The tribes of Israel, united in outrage, gathered at Mizpah to address the crime. They demanded that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators from Gibeah for justice. However, the Benjamites refused to heed the call of their fellow Israelites and protect the guilty men, choosing instead to prepare for battle against the other tribes.

Benjamin's Refusal:
The refusal of Benjamin to deliver the guilty men is a pivotal moment, highlighting their loyalty to their own tribe over the moral and communal laws of Israel. This decision set the stage for a civil war, as the Benjamites chose to defend their kinsmen rather than uphold justice and righteousness.

Preparation for Battle:
In response to Benjamin's defiance, the other tribes of Israel assembled an army of 400,000 men (Judges 20:2). The Benjamites, though significantly outnumbered, prepared for battle with 26,000 swordsmen and 700 select left-handed slingers, renowned for their accuracy (Judges 20:15-16). The Benjamites' preparation for battle demonstrated their resolve and willingness to fight against overwhelming odds.

The Battle:
The conflict that ensued was fierce and tragic. The Israelites sought the LORD's guidance at Bethel, asking which tribe should lead the attack. The LORD designated Judah to go first (Judges 20:18). Despite their numerical superiority, the Israelites suffered heavy losses in the initial encounters, losing 22,000 men on the first day and 18,000 on the second (Judges 20:21, 25). The Benjamites' skill and determination in battle were evident, but the Israelites persisted, seeking the LORD's counsel and offering sacrifices.

Divine Intervention and Victory:
On the third day, the Israelites set an ambush around Gibeah. The LORD promised victory, saying, "Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hands" (Judges 20:28). The strategy succeeded, and the Benjamites were defeated, with 25,100 of their warriors falling in battle (Judges 20:35). The city of Gibeah was destroyed, and only 600 Benjamite men survived, fleeing to the rock of Rimmon.

Aftermath:
The near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin led to a crisis in Israel, as the tribes lamented the potential loss of one of their own. This prompted efforts to preserve the Benjamite lineage, leading to further complex and morally challenging decisions, as detailed in Judges 21.

Significance:
The account of Benjamin's refusal and preparation for battle serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of moral compromise and tribal loyalty over divine law. It underscores the need for justice, unity, and adherence to God's commandments, even amidst societal chaos.