Biblical Reference: Judges 19-21

Historical Context: The narrative of the outrage against the concubine is set during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by social and moral chaos in Israel, as described in the repeated phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This era followed the conquest of Canaan and preceded the establishment of the monarchy.

Narrative Summary: 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. On their journey back, they stop in Gibeah, a town of the Benjamites, where they are offered hospitality by an old man.

During the night, the men of Gibeah surround the house, demanding to have relations with the Levite. In a tragic turn of events, the Levite's concubine is given to the mob to protect the Levite, and she is brutally abused throughout the night. At dawn, she collapses at the doorstep and later dies. The Levite, upon discovering her lifeless body, dismembers her and sends her parts throughout the tribes of Israel as a call to action against the atrocity.

Tribal Response and Civil War: The tribes of Israel, united in outrage, gather at Mizpah to address the crime. They demand that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators, but the Benjamites refuse, leading to a civil war. The conflict results in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving after the battles.

Moral and Theological Themes:

1. Moral Depravity and Lawlessness: The narrative starkly illustrates the moral decay and lawlessness prevalent in Israel during the time of the Judges. The heinous crime against the concubine and the subsequent civil war underscore the consequences of a society that has turned away from God's commandments.

2. Hospitality and Protection: The account highlights the cultural importance of hospitality and the duty to protect guests, a value deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern societies. The failure of the men of Gibeah to uphold this standard is a significant aspect of their guilt.

3. Justice and Retribution: The collective response of the Israelite tribes reflects a desire for justice and retribution. However, the excessive violence and near destruction of an entire tribe raise questions about the nature of justice and the potential for overreach in human attempts to rectify wrongs.

4. Covenant Community and Unity: The incident reveals the fragility of the covenant community of Israel. The internal strife and division highlight the need for unity under God's law and the dangers of tribalism and disunity.

5. Role of Women: The narrative also brings to light the vulnerable position of women in ancient Israelite society. The concubine's tragic fate serves as a poignant reminder of the need for protection and respect for all individuals, regardless of their social status.

Aftermath and Resolution: In the aftermath of the conflict, the Israelites lament the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin and devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites, ensuring the continuity of the tribe. This resolution, while pragmatic, further complicates the moral landscape, as it involves additional acts of violence and abduction.

Significance in Biblical Canon: The outrage against the concubine serves as a sobering narrative within the Book of Judges, illustrating the depths of human depravity and the dire consequences of abandoning divine guidance. It sets the stage for the eventual demand for a centralized monarchy, as the people of Israel seek stability and justice under a king.