the Tribe of Judah: Went First Against Gibeah
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Topical Encyclopedia
The Tribe of Judah holds a significant place in biblical history, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Known for its leadership and prominence, Judah was often at the forefront of Israel's endeavors. One notable event involving the tribe is its role in the conflict against the city of Gibeah, as recorded in the Book of Judges.

Context and Background

The incident at Gibeah is detailed in Judges 19-21, a period marked by moral and social chaos in Israel, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The narrative begins with a horrific crime committed in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. A Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered by the men of Gibeah, leading to national outrage.

Judah's Leadership in Battle

In response to this atrocity, the tribes of Israel gathered at Mizpah to seek justice against the perpetrators. The assembly decided to go to war against the tribe of Benjamin, which had refused to surrender the guilty men of Gibeah. The Israelites sought divine guidance on how to proceed, asking, "Who of us shall go up first to fight against the Benjamites?" The LORD answered, "Judah shall go first" (Judges 20:18).

Judah's selection to lead the charge underscores its role as a leader among the tribes. This decision aligns with Judah's historical position as a tribe of strength and leadership, as prophesied by Jacob in Genesis 49:8-10, where Judah is described as a lion's cub and a ruler among his brothers.

The Battle and Its Aftermath

The battle against Benjamin was fierce and costly. Despite initial setbacks, the Israelites, led by Judah, eventually succeeded in defeating the Benjamites. The conflict resulted in significant loss of life and highlighted the deep divisions and moral decay within the nation.

The tribe of Judah's involvement in this conflict is a testament to its enduring role in the history of Israel. As the tribe from which King David and ultimately Jesus Christ would come, Judah's leadership in times of crisis foreshadows its future significance in God's redemptive plan.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

The event at Gibeah and Judah's role in it serve as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for righteous leadership. It also illustrates the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of national crisis. Judah's obedience in leading the charge against Gibeah reflects its commitment to justice and righteousness, qualities that would characterize its future kings and, ultimately, the Messiah.

The Tribe of Judah's actions during this period are a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel, demonstrating the tribe's central role in the unfolding account of God's people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 20:18
And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Kings.
... nation. David, under divine guidance, went to Hebron, and was there
publicly anointed king by the tribe of Judah. But ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ...
... Bethlehem, which is a place belonging to the tribe of Judah. ... day he resolved to go
home, and went away in ... twelve pieces, he sent them to every tribe, and gave ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how after the.htm

The Israelites
... In the south, a new tribe, Judah, had arisen out of various ... the Philistines poured
over the frontier of Judah, plundering and destroying as they went. ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Historical Books.
... that to human vision the sun, and with it the shadow, went backward ten ... It records
the reign of David, first at Hebron over the tribe of Judah, with the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... spears and bows, and joined King Saul with the men of the tribe of Judah; but David ...
his spear was like a weaver's beam, and his shield-bearer went before him ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... to have caught the temper of the tribe among whom ... of bronze To the kings and princes
of Judah, Her priests ... Jeremiah was silenced and went forth to his ministry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... a common foe, for we know that the people of Judah aided the ... the day of the captivity
of the land."* The tribe of Dan ... And he said, How went the matter, my son? ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... "They went whithersoever they ... to the inhospitable wilderness which stretches from
the hills of Judah to the ... and that from the men of his own tribe, again dogs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/vi the exilecontinued.htm

In Judaea
... the women of Lydda mixed their dough, went up to ... times Bethlehem was among "the least"
in Judah"so small ... was not reckoned to belong to any tribe in particular ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the country of Amauru with that of the Amorites was admitted from the first. ... 21),
an Amorite town in the southern part of the tribe of Judah; while Hincks ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Judah? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the kings of Israel and Judah? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org

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the Tribe of Judah: Went First Against Gibeah

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the Tribe of Judah: The Last Tribe Carried Into Captivity
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