Background and Context:
The event of Israel gathering against the tribe of Benjamin is a significant episode recorded in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 19 to 21. This narrative unfolds during a time of moral and social chaos in Israel, a period marked by the absence of centralized leadership, as noted in the recurring phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

The Outrage at Gibeah:
The catalyst for the conflict was a heinous crime committed in the Benjamite city of Gibeah. A Levite and his concubine, while traveling, sought refuge 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 the pieces throughout the territories of Israel as a call to action against the atrocity.

The Assembly at Mizpah:
In response to this gruesome act, the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, assembled at Mizpah to address the crime. The Levite recounted the events, and the assembly resolved to take action against the perpetrators. The tribes of Israel demanded that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the men of Gibeah for punishment. However, the Benjamites refused to heed the call for justice, choosing instead to protect the guilty parties.

The Civil War:
The refusal of Benjamin to surrender the culprits led to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The Israelites sought the LORD's guidance at Bethel, asking, "Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?" The LORD replied, "Judah shall go first" (Judges 20:18). Despite their numerical superiority, the Israelites suffered initial defeats at the hands of the Benjamites, losing thousands of men.

Divine Intervention and Victory:
After fasting and offering sacrifices, the Israelites inquired of the LORD once more. The LORD assured them of victory, saying, "Go, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hands" (Judges 20:28). Employing a strategic ambush, the Israelites finally overcame the Benjamites, decimating their forces and burning their cities. Only 600 Benjamite men survived, fleeing to the rock of Rimmon.

Aftermath and Restoration:
The near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin prompted a crisis among the Israelites, who lamented the potential loss of one of the twelve tribes. To preserve the tribe, the Israelites devised a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites, ensuring the continuation of the tribe. This was achieved through the provision of women from Jabesh-gilead and the daughters of Shiloh, as recounted in Judges 21.

Theological and Moral Implications:
This episode highlights the severe moral decline and lawlessness in Israel during the time of the Judges. It underscores the consequences of a society that has turned away from God's commandments and the need for righteous leadership. The narrative also reflects the themes of justice, communal responsibility, and the complexities of human sinfulness and divine mercy. The preservation of the tribe of Benjamin, despite their transgressions, illustrates God's enduring covenant with Israel and His desire for reconciliation and restoration.