The Conflict with Benjamin, as recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 19-21, is a significant event in the history of Israel during the period of the Judges. This conflict arose from a grievous crime committed in the territory of Benjamin, leading to a civil war among the tribes of Israel.

Background and Crime

The narrative begins with a Levite and his concubine traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to their home in the hill country of Ephraim. On their journey, they decide to spend the night in Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. The hospitality they receive is marred by a heinous act. The men of Gibeah, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surround the house where the Levite is staying and demand to have relations with him. To protect himself, the Levite sends out his concubine, who is brutally abused and left for dead.

The Levite, upon discovering her lifeless body, dismembers her and sends the pieces throughout the tribes of Israel, calling for justice. This shocking act serves as a catalyst for the ensuing conflict, as it unites the tribes against the atrocity committed in Gibeah.

The Assembly at Mizpah

In response to the Levite's call, the tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah to deliberate on the matter. The assembly, described as "the congregation of the people of God" (Judges 20:2), demands that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators of the crime. However, the Benjamites refuse to heed the call for justice, choosing instead to protect the men of Gibeah.

The Outbreak of War

The refusal of Benjamin to deliver the guilty parties leads to a declaration of war. The Israelites, numbering 400,000 swordsmen, prepare to fight against the Benjamites, who muster 26,000 warriors, including 700 select left-handed slingers (Judges 20:15-16). Despite being outnumbered, the Benjamites initially achieve victories over the larger Israelite force, inflicting heavy casualties.

Divine Guidance and Victory

The Israelites seek the Lord's guidance at Bethel, where the Ark of the Covenant is located. They inquire of the Lord through Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, and receive assurance of victory. On the third day of battle, the Israelites employ a strategic ambush, drawing the Benjamites away from Gibeah and then turning to attack the city. The Lord grants Israel victory, and the Benjamites suffer devastating losses, with only 600 men escaping to the rock of Rimmon (Judges 20:47).

Aftermath and Restoration

The conflict results in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites, grieved by the potential loss of one of their tribes, devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites. They allow the Benjamites to take wives from the women of Jabesh Gilead and later from the daughters of Shiloh during a festival, thus ensuring the survival of the tribe (Judges 21:14-23).

The Conflict with Benjamin highlights the moral and social chaos during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by the repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This narrative underscores the consequences of lawlessness and the need for righteous leadership among God's people.