Judgment Must be Rendered

Judges 20:1–11
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Shocked by the wickedness of what had happened in the previous chapter Israel gathered at Mizpah which was only four miles north of Gibeah, for action (vv. 1-2). From north to south and from both sides of the Jordan they assembled for vengeance. Leaders from all the tribes but Benjamin and 400,000 warriors prepared for battle. At least a measure of righteousness prevailed among the tribes. The Benjamites were not officially represented since the men who raped the concubine were from Gibeah in Benjamin (v. 3). However, something drastic was about to happen. The children of Israel wanted to know if there was anyone there who knew anything about this. 

On request the Levite explained the circumstances of his concubine’s rape (vv. 4-7). A hushed multitude listened and decided to act against Gibeah. The expression of unity here is in marked contrast to the disintegration and lack of cooperation which we will see later in the period of the judges (v. 8). One tenth of the Israelite soldiers collected supplies for those who did the actual fighting (vv. 9-11). Keep in mind that the wars in Canaan were pretty much at an end, the military forces of the nation were not in a prepared readiness, and many were employed in tilling the ground, and dressing the vines.

Application

It is my responsibility to explain how we need to stand together as a family and speak out against sin. The tendency today in many Christian circles is to just sweep sin under the rug and try to cover it up. I need to make sure that sin is dealt with in my life according to the Word of God.