The Refusal of Benjamin refers to a significant event in the history of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 19-21. This episode highlights the moral and social chaos during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by the repeated phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Context and Background

The narrative begins with a Levite and his concubine traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the Levite's home in the hill country of Ephraim. As night falls, they decide to lodge in the Benjamite city of Gibeah. An old man offers them hospitality, but 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 tragic turn of events, the Levite's concubine is given over to the mob, and she is brutally abused throughout the night, leading to her death.

The Outrage and Call to Arms

The Levite, upon discovering his concubine's death, dismembers her body and sends the pieces throughout the territories of Israel, inciting outrage and calling the tribes to action. The tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah, united in their demand for justice against the perpetrators in Gibeah. They resolve to confront the tribe of Benjamin, which refuses to surrender the guilty men.

The Civil War

The refusal of Benjamin to hand over the men of Gibeah leads to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Benjamites initially achieve victories against the Israelites. However, after seeking the LORD's guidance and receiving assurance of victory, the Israelites eventually defeat Benjamin, nearly annihilating the tribe. Judges 20:28 records the LORD's response to Israel's inquiry: "Go, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand" .

Aftermath and Restoration

The aftermath of the conflict leaves the tribe of Benjamin on the brink of extinction, with only 600 men surviving. The Israelites, struck by the potential loss of one of their tribes, devise a plan to provide wives for the Benjamites to ensure their survival. This plan involves the capture of women from Jabesh-gilead and the abduction of young women from Shiloh during a festival, actions that reflect the moral ambiguity and desperation of the time.

Theological and Moral Implications

The Refusal of Benjamin serves as a stark illustration of the moral decay and lawlessness prevalent in Israel during the era of the Judges. The narrative underscores the consequences of a society that has turned away from God's commandments and the resulting chaos when there is no central authority to uphold justice and righteousness. The account also highlights the themes of communal responsibility, the need for justice, and the complexities of human sinfulness.

The event is a sobering reminder of the importance of adherence to God's law and the dangers of moral relativism. It foreshadows the eventual establishment of monarchy in Israel, as the people recognize the need for a king to lead them in righteousness and justice, ultimately pointing to the future hope of a perfect King in the person of Jesus Christ.