The First Battle Against Benjamin is a significant event recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 19-20, in the Old Testament. This battle is a pivotal moment in the history of Israel, highlighting themes of justice, unity, and the consequences of moral decay within the tribes of Israel.

Context and Background

The events leading to the battle begin with a grievous crime committed in the town of Gibeah, which belonged to the tribe of Benjamin. A Levite and his concubine were traveling and sought shelter in Gibeah. The men of the city, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surrounded the house where they were staying and demanded to abuse the Levite. 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 her parts throughout the territories of Israel as a call to action against the atrocity.

The Assembly at Mizpah

In response to this heinous act, the tribes of Israel gathered at Mizpah to seek justice. Judges 20:1-2 states, "Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out as one man and assembled before the LORD at Mizpah. The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel took their places in the assembly of God’s people, four hundred thousand men armed with swords."

The Levite recounted the events, and the assembly resolved to take action against the tribe of Benjamin for harboring the perpetrators. Despite attempts to negotiate and demand the surrender of the guilty men, the Benjamites refused, leading to a declaration of war.

The Battle

The Israelites, numbering 400,000, prepared to fight against the Benjamites, who had 26,000 swordsmen and 700 select left-handed slingers (Judges 20:15-16). Before the battle, the Israelites sought the LORD's guidance at Bethel, asking, "Who of us shall go first to fight against the Benjamites?" The LORD replied, "Judah shall go first" (Judges 20:18).

The first day of battle resulted in a surprising defeat for the Israelites, with 22,000 men falling. Despite this setback, they encouraged themselves and prepared for a second day of battle, again seeking the LORD's counsel. The second day also ended in defeat, with 18,000 Israelites killed (Judges 20:25).

Seeking the LORD and Victory

After two devastating losses, the Israelites wept, fasted, and offered sacrifices before the LORD. They inquired once more, "Shall we go up again to battle against the Benjamites, our brothers, or not?" The LORD answered, "Go, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hands" (Judges 20:28).

On the third day, the Israelites set an ambush around Gibeah. This strategic maneuver led to a decisive victory, as the LORD delivered the Benjamites into their hands. The Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamite swordsmen, and the city of Gibeah was set ablaze (Judges 20:35-37).

Aftermath

The battle nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin, leaving only 600 men who fled to the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites, grieved by the near extinction of one of their tribes, later sought ways to restore Benjamin, ensuring the continuity of all twelve tribes of Israel.

The First Battle Against Benjamin serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of justice and unity among God's people. It underscores the need for adherence to God's laws and the devastating effects of moral and spiritual decline.