Judges 20:8

Then all the people stood as one man and said, "Not one of us will return to his tent or to his house.

Study Bible

Then all the people stood as one man
This phrase emphasizes the unity and collective resolve of the Israelites. In the context of Judges 20, the tribes of Israel are responding to the grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. The phrase "stood as one man" indicates a unanimous decision, reflecting a rare moment of national solidarity among the often-fractious tribes. This unity is significant in the biblical narrative, as it contrasts with the frequent disunity and infighting seen throughout the book of Judges. The concept of unity is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 133:1, which speaks of the goodness and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity. This unity can also be seen as a type of the unity that is found in the body of Christ, as described in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

and said, “Not one of us will return to his tent or to his house.
This declaration signifies a collective commitment to action and justice. The Israelites vow not to return to their homes until they have addressed the atrocity committed in Gibeah. This reflects a cultural and historical context where tribal and familial honor demanded a response to such an egregious act. The phrase "not one of us will return" underscores the seriousness of their vow and the urgency of their mission. It also highlights the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where individual actions were often subordinate to the needs and decisions of the community. This determination to act can be compared to the resolve seen in other biblical narratives, such as Nehemiah's commitment to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 4:6) or the early church's dedication to spreading the gospel despite persecution (Acts 4:18-20).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

2. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where a heinous crime was committed against a Levite's concubine, leading to national outrage.

3. The Levite
A man whose concubine was abused and killed in Gibeah, prompting him to call for justice from the tribes of Israel.

4. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, who were initially unwilling to surrender the perpetrators of the crime in Gibeah.

5. The Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to decide on a course of action against the tribe of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

Unity in Righteous Indignation
The Israelites' unified response to the sin in Gibeah demonstrates the importance of collective action against injustice and immorality.

The Cost of Inaction
The decision not to return to their homes until justice was served highlights the necessity of prioritizing righteousness over personal comfort.

Corporate Responsibility
The passage underscores the responsibility of the community to address sin within its midst, a principle applicable to the church today.

The Danger of Tribalism
The initial reluctance of the Benjamites to surrender the guilty parties warns against placing tribal or group loyalty above moral and divine law.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's call to action and the assembly's response illustrate the need for decisive leadership in confronting sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the unity of the Israelites in Judges 20:8 teach us about the importance of collective action in addressing sin within a community?

2. How can we apply the principle of not returning to our "tents" until justice is served in our personal lives and communities today?

3. In what ways does the account of Gibeah and the Benjamites warn us about the dangers of prioritizing group loyalty over righteousness?

4. How can the church today reflect the corporate responsibility seen in Judges 20:8 when dealing with sin and injustice?

5. What lessons can we learn from the leadership shown in this passage, and how can we apply them to our roles in our families, churches, and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage discusses the importance of purging evil from among the people, which connects to the Israelites' determination to address the sin in Gibeah.

Joshua 22
The tribes of Israel gather to address a potential breach of faith, similar to their assembly in Judges 20.

1 Samuel 11
The unity of Israel under Saul against the Ammonites reflects the unity seen in Judges 20:8.

Romans 12
The call for believers to live in harmony and unity, paralleling the Israelites' unified response.

1 Corinthians 5
The New Testament call for church discipline and purity, echoing the Old Testament call for purging sin from the community.