Judges 20:19

The next morning the Israelites set out and camped near Gibeah.

Study Bible

The next morning
This phrase indicates a continuation of events from the previous chapter, where the Israelites had gathered to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah. The timing suggests a sense of urgency and determination among the Israelites to seek justice. Morning often symbolizes new beginnings or divine intervention in biblical narratives, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, where God's mercies are new every morning.

the Israelites set out
The Israelites, representing the twelve tribes, are acting in unity, a rare occurrence in the period of the Judges, which was marked by tribal disunity and moral decline. This collective action underscores the severity of the crime in Gibeah and the need for a unified response. The setting out signifies a mobilization for battle, reflecting the seriousness of their mission.

and camped near Gibeah.
Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, is central to the narrative. Its geographical location is significant as it was a Benjamite city, and the crime committed there had national implications. The Israelites camping near Gibeah indicates a strategic positioning for confrontation. This act of encampment is reminiscent of military campaigns in the Old Testament, such as the Israelites' encampment before the battle of Jericho in Joshua 6. The proximity to Gibeah also highlights the tension and impending conflict between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who are preparing for battle against the tribe of Benjamin due to the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a horrific crime was committed against a Levite's concubine, leading to a civil war within Israel.

3. The Levite's Concubine
Her abuse and death at the hands of the men of Gibeah sparked outrage and led to the assembly of the Israelite tribes against Benjamin.

4. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which defended the men of Gibeah, leading to conflict with the other tribes.

5. The Assembly at Mizpah
Prior to the events of Judges 20:19, the Israelites gathered at Mizpah to decide on a course of action against Benjamin.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Sin
The Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah underscores the importance of addressing sin within the community. Sin has communal consequences and must be dealt with decisively.

Unity and Division
The tribes of Israel unite against Benjamin, showing the potential for both unity and division within God's people. Unity should be based on righteousness and justice.

Seeking God's Guidance
Before taking action, the Israelites sought God's counsel. This teaches the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions, especially in matters of justice.

The Cost of Justice
The conflict with Benjamin reminds us that pursuing justice can be costly and painful, but it is necessary to maintain holiness and righteousness.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Israel played a crucial role in addressing the sin in Gibeah. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide their communities in righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Israelites' response to the sin in Gibeah teach us about the importance of addressing sin within our own communities?

2. How can we balance the need for justice with the call to leave vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19?

3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance in our decision-making processes, especially when dealing with difficult situations?

4. How does the unity of the Israelite tribes against Benjamin challenge us to consider the basis of our own unity within the church?

5. What lessons can we learn from the leadership of the Israelite tribes in this passage, and how can we apply these lessons to our roles in our communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage discusses the need for Israel to purge evil from among them, which connects to the Israelites' decision to confront the sin in Gibeah.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and its consequences for Israel highlights the communal responsibility to address sin within the community.

Romans 12:19
This New Testament verse speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' decision to take justice into their own hands.