Judges 20:13

Hand over the wicked men of Gibeah so we can put them to death and purge Israel of this evil." But the Benjamites refused to heed the voice of their fellow Israelites.

Study Bible

But now
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of decision and action. In the context of Judges 20, the Israelites are at a crossroads, having deliberated over the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. The Hebrew word for "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) often signifies an urgent call to action, emphasizing the immediacy and necessity of the response. It reflects a shift from contemplation to decisive movement, urging the Israelites to address the moral and communal crisis at hand.

hand over
The phrase "hand over" (תּוֹצִיאוּ, totsi'u) implies a demand for justice and accountability. In ancient Israelite society, communal responsibility was paramount, and this demand underscores the collective obligation to uphold righteousness. The act of handing over the guilty parties is not merely punitive but serves to restore communal integrity and divine favor. It reflects the biblical principle that sin must be confronted and dealt with to maintain holiness within the community.

the wicked men
The term "wicked men" (בְּנֵי בְלִיָּעַל, benei beliyaal) is a strong denunciation, indicating individuals who are worthless or lawless. The Hebrew word "beliyaal" conveys a sense of utter depravity and rebellion against God's order. In the biblical narrative, such individuals are often seen as threats to the covenant community, embodying moral corruption that must be purged to preserve the sanctity of God's people.

of Gibeah
Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin, becomes infamous due to the heinous crime committed within its walls. Archaeological findings suggest Gibeah was a significant settlement during the period of the Judges. Its mention here highlights the gravity of the situation, as the sin of a single city has ramifications for the entire nation. The narrative underscores the interconnectedness of the tribes of Israel and the impact of sin on the collective identity.

so that we may put them to death
This phrase reflects the severity of the crime and the corresponding demand for capital punishment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, such a response was seen as necessary to uphold justice and deter further transgressions. The biblical law, as outlined in the Torah, often prescribes death for certain offenses to maintain the holiness of the community. This action is not taken lightly but is seen as a last resort to cleanse the land of egregious sin.

and purge this evil from Israel
The concept of purging evil (וּנְבַעֲרָה רָעָה, u'neva'arah ra'ah) is central to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew verb "ba'ar" implies a thorough removal or burning away, signifying the complete eradication of sin. This reflects the biblical mandate for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes. The phrase underscores the necessity of dealing decisively with sin to preserve the spiritual and moral health of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are seeking justice for the crime committed in Gibeah.

2. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who are protecting the men of Gibeah and refusing to hand them over for judgment.

3. The Men of Gibeah
The perpetrators of a grievous crime, whose actions have led to a call for justice from the other tribes.

4. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where the crime took place, leading to the conflict between the tribes.

5. The Crime
The heinous act committed by the men of Gibeah, which is not detailed in this verse but is the catalyst for the demand for justice.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
The Israelites' demand for the wicked men of Gibeah to be handed over underscores the necessity of justice in maintaining societal order and righteousness.

Tribal Loyalty vs. Righteousness
The Benjamites' refusal to surrender the guilty men highlights the tension between loyalty to one's own group and adherence to God's standards of righteousness.

Purging Evil
The call to "purge this evil from Israel" reflects a biblical principle of removing sin from the community to maintain holiness and prevent further corruption.

Consequences of Disobedience
The Benjamites' decision not to heed the call for justice leads to severe consequences, illustrating the dangers of disobedience to God's commands.

Community Responsibility
This passage emphasizes the responsibility of the community to address sin and uphold justice, a principle that applies to the church today.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the response of the Benjamites reveal about the challenges of prioritizing righteousness over tribal or familial loyalty?

2. How does the concept of purging evil from the community in Judges 20:13 relate to the New Testament teachings on church discipline?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking justice in our own communities today, while balancing mercy and forgiveness?

4. How does the refusal of the Benjamites to hand over the guilty men illustrate the potential consequences of ignoring God's call for justice?

5. What lessons can we learn from this passage about the importance of community responsibility in addressing sin and maintaining holiness?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:5
This verse discusses purging evil from among the people, similar to the call for justice in Judges 20:13.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience to God over sacrifice, paralleling the Benjamites' refusal to heed the call for justice.

Romans 12:19
Speaks to leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' pursuit of justice.

Matthew 18:15-17
Provides a New Testament perspective on dealing with sin within a community, offering a process for reconciliation and justice.