The Crime in Gibeah is a harrowing narrative found in the Book of Judges, chapters 19 to 21, which details a series of tragic events that underscore the moral and social decay in Israel during the time when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This account serves as a somber reflection on the consequences of lawlessness and the absence of godly leadership.

Background and Context

The account begins with a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. After a period of estrangement, the Levite travels to Bethlehem to persuade her to return with him. On their journey back, they decide to spend the night in Gibeah, a town belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. Despite the cultural expectation of hospitality, the Levite and his concubine are initially left in the town square until an old man offers them shelter.

The Atrocity in Gibeah

The narrative takes a dark turn when "wicked men" of the city surround the house, demanding to have relations with the Levite. In a tragic and morally reprehensible decision, the Levite's concubine is offered to the mob to protect the Levite. The men of Gibeah abuse her throughout the night, and she dies from the assault. The Levite, upon discovering her lifeless body, dismembers her and sends her remains throughout the territories of Israel as a call to action against the atrocity.

Israel's Response and Civil War

The gruesome act shocks the nation, prompting the tribes of Israel to gather at Mizpah to address the crime. The Levite recounts the events, and the assembly demands justice from the tribe of Benjamin. When the Benjamites refuse to surrender the perpetrators, a civil war ensues. The conflict is devastating, resulting in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving after the battles.

Moral and Theological Implications

The Crime in Gibeah highlights the depths of moral corruption and the breakdown of societal order in Israel. The narrative illustrates the consequences of abandoning God's laws and the chaos that ensues when individuals and communities act according to their own desires. The absence of centralized leadership and the failure of the Benjamites to uphold justice reflect a broader spiritual decline.

The account also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of adhering to divine standards. It underscores the need for righteous leadership and the pursuit of justice in accordance with God's commandments. The account of Gibeah is a stark reminder of the human capacity for evil and the necessity of seeking God's guidance to maintain order and righteousness in society.