The Crime of the Benjamites is a significant and tragic event recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 19 to 21, which highlights the moral and social decay in Israel during the time of the judges. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of lawlessness and the absence of centralized leadership, as expressed in the repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

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 bring her back. On their return journey, they decide to spend the night in Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. The narrative sets the stage for a series of events that reveal the moral corruption prevalent in Israel at the time.

The Outrage in Gibeah

Upon arriving in Gibeah, the Levite and his concubine are initially left without hospitality until an old man offers them shelter. However, the men of the city, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surround the house and demand to have relations with the Levite. In a desperate attempt to protect himself, the Levite offers his concubine to the mob. The men of Gibeah abuse her throughout the night, leading to her death.

The Call to Justice

The Levite, upon discovering his concubine's lifeless body, dismembers her and sends the pieces throughout the tribes of Israel as a call to action. This gruesome act shocks the nation and unites the tribes in outrage against the atrocity committed in Gibeah. The Israelites gather at Mizpah to address the crime and demand that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators.

The Civil War

The Benjamites, however, refuse to hand over the guilty men, leading to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The conflict is fierce and results in significant casualties on both sides. The Israelites seek the LORD's guidance through prayer and offerings, and after several battles, they ultimately defeat the Benjamites. Judges 20:35 states, "The LORD defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 men of Benjamin, all armed with swords."

The Aftermath

The war nearly annihilates the tribe of Benjamin, leaving only 600 men who flee to the rock of Rimmon. The Israelites, grieved by the near extinction of one of their tribes, devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites to ensure the tribe's continuity. This plan involves the destruction of Jabesh-gilead and the abduction of women from Shiloh during a festival, actions that further illustrate the chaotic and morally ambiguous state of Israel during this period.

Theological and Moral Implications

The Crime of the Benjamites underscores the dangers of moral relativism and the breakdown of societal order when there is no adherence to divine law. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin and the importance of justice and righteousness. It also highlights the need for godly leadership and the unifying power of seeking the LORD's will in times of national crisis.