Judges 20:9

Now this is what we will do to Gibeah: We will go against it as the lot dictates.

Study Bible

Now this is what we will do to Gibeah:
The phrase indicates a collective decision by the Israelites, emphasizing unity and determination. Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, is central to the narrative due to the grievous sin committed there, reminiscent of Sodom's wickedness (Genesis 19). The Israelites' resolve to act against Gibeah reflects a broader theme of communal responsibility and justice in the face of moral corruption. This decision underscores the severity of the crime and the necessity for decisive action, aligning with the biblical principle of purging evil from among the people (Deuteronomy 13:5).

We will go against it
This phrase highlights the intention to confront and address the sin directly. The Israelites' approach to Gibeah is not merely punitive but also serves as a warning to the nation about the consequences of moral decay. The act of going against Gibeah can be seen as a form of divine judgment, where the Israelites act as instruments of God's justice. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God uses His people to execute judgment, such as the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6).

as the lot dictates.
The use of casting lots indicates a reliance on divine guidance to determine the course of action. Casting lots was a common biblical practice to discern God's will, seen in decisions like the division of the Promised Land (Joshua 18:10) and the selection of Saul as king (1 Samuel 10:20-21). This method underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and the desire to align human actions with divine purposes. It reflects a trust in God's providence, ensuring that the decision to attack Gibeah is not based on human impulse but on divine direction.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where a grievous crime was committed against a Levite's concubine, leading to a call for justice by the other tribes of Israel.

2. The Levite
A man whose concubine was abused and killed in Gibeah, sparking outrage and a call for retribution among the tribes of Israel.

3. The Tribes of Israel
The collective tribes, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the atrocity committed in Gibeah and sought to bring justice.

4. The Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe that defended the inhabitants of Gibeah, leading to a civil conflict with the other tribes of Israel.

5. The Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes to discuss and decide on the course of action against Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Justice
The Israelites' decision to act against Gibeah underscores the necessity of addressing sin and injustice within a community. As believers, we are called to uphold justice and righteousness in our own lives and communities.

Seeking God's Guidance
The casting of lots to determine the course of action reflects a desire to seek divine guidance. In our decisions, we should seek God's will through prayer and scripture.

Communal Responsibility
The collective response of the tribes highlights the concept of communal responsibility. As members of the body of Christ, we share in the responsibility to support and correct one another in love.

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the far-reaching consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

Unity in Righteous Action
The unity of the tribes in addressing the sin in Gibeah demonstrates the power of collective action in pursuing righteousness. As Christians, we are stronger when we stand together in truth and justice.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the response of the Israelite tribes to the crime in Gibeah teach us about the importance of addressing sin within our communities?

2. How can we ensure that our pursuit of justice aligns with God's will, as demonstrated by the casting of lots in Judges 20:9?

3. In what ways can we take responsibility for the spiritual health of our community, similar to the collective action of the Israelite tribes?

4. How does the account of Gibeah and the subsequent conflict with Benjamin illustrate the consequences of unaddressed sin?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and collective action in our church or community when addressing issues of injustice or sin?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
The process of dealing with a city that has committed abominations, emphasizing the need for justice and purging evil from among the people.

Joshua 7
The account of Achan's sin and the communal responsibility of Israel, highlighting the importance of addressing sin within the community.

Romans 12:19
The principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting human justice with divine justice.