Judges 20:7

Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now."

Study Bible

Behold, all you Israelites
This phrase calls attention to the collective identity of the Israelites, emphasizing their unity as God's chosen people. The term "Israelites" refers to the descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, and highlights their covenant relationship with God. This collective identity is crucial in the context of Judges, where tribal divisions often lead to conflict. The call to the Israelites underscores the need for national unity in addressing the moral and social issues facing the nation.

give your advice
The request for advice indicates a communal decision-making process, which was common in ancient Israelite society. This reflects the tribal confederation system where leaders and elders would gather to deliberate on important matters. The need for advice suggests a situation requiring wisdom and discernment, echoing the biblical principle found in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

and verdict
The term "verdict" implies a judicial decision, highlighting the legal and moral dimensions of the issue at hand. In the context of Judges, this reflects the role of the Israelites as enforcers of God's law, tasked with upholding justice and righteousness. The need for a verdict also points to the seriousness of the situation, requiring a definitive and authoritative resolution.

here and now.
The urgency of "here and now" underscores the immediate need for action and resolution. This reflects the pressing nature of the crisis in the narrative, where delay could lead to further moral decay or social unrest. The immediacy of the call to action is reminiscent of other biblical instances where prompt obedience to God's commands is required, such as in Joshua 24:15, where Joshua urges the Israelites to choose whom they will serve.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, who are gathered to address a grievous sin committed in the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which is at the center of the conflict due to the heinous crime committed by some of its members.

3. Levite and His Concubine
The Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered by men from Gibeah, a city in Benjamin, which led to the assembly of the tribes.

4. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where the crime took place, sparking outrage among the other tribes.

5. Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to deliberate on the response to the crime committed in Gibeah.

Teaching Points

Communal Responsibility
The Israelites' gathering to address the sin in Benjamin underscores the importance of communal responsibility in dealing with sin. As believers, we are called to hold each other accountable and seek justice.

Seeking Godly Counsel
The call for advice and counsel highlights the need for seeking wisdom and guidance from God and godly leaders when addressing difficult situations.

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 20 remind us of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of addressing it promptly to prevent further harm.

Unity in Righteousness
The unity of the Israelite tribes in seeking justice serves as a model for the church to stand together in righteousness and truth.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Israel took initiative in addressing the sin, demonstrating the critical role of leadership in guiding the community towards righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the response of the Israelites to the crime in Gibeah reflect the principle of communal responsibility in dealing with sin? How can this principle be applied in the church today?

2. In what ways does the call for advice and counsel in Judges 20:7 parallel the New Testament teachings on seeking godly wisdom? How can we ensure we are seeking and giving godly counsel in our communities?

3. What are the potential consequences of ignoring sin within a community, as seen in the account of the Levite and his concubine? How does this relate to the teachings in 1 Corinthians 5?

4. How can the unity of the Israelite tribes in addressing sin serve as a model for the church today? What steps can we take to foster unity in righteousness within our own communities?

5. What role do leaders play in addressing sin and guiding a community towards righteousness, as seen in Judges 20? How can we support and pray for our leaders in this important task?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13:12-18
This passage provides instructions on how to deal with wickedness within a city, emphasizing the need for communal action against sin.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and its consequences for Israel highlights the importance of purging sin from the community.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Paul addresses the need for church discipline, drawing a parallel to the need for Israel to address sin within its community.

Matthew 18:15-17
Jesus outlines the process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the importance of communal responsibility and action.