The Men of Gibeah are prominently featured in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 19 through 21. Gibeah was a city in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin, and the events that transpired there are among the most tragic and morally challenging narratives in the Old Testament.

Historical Context

Gibeah, meaning "hill," was a significant city in the tribal allotment of Benjamin. It is often identified with modern-day Tell el-Ful, located just north of Jerusalem. During the period of the Judges, Israel was a confederation of tribes without centralized leadership, often described by the refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

The Outrage at Gibeah

The narrative begins with a Levite and his concubine traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the hill country of Ephraim. As night falls, they decide to lodge in Gibeah. An old man offers them hospitality, but the men of the city, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surround the house and demand to have relations with the Levite. This echoes the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the depravity present in Israel at the time.

In a tragic turn of events, the Levite's concubine is given over to the men, who abuse her throughout the night, leading to her death. The Levite's response is to dismember her body and send the pieces throughout the tribes of Israel, inciting outrage and calling for justice.

The War Against Benjamin

The atrocity committed by the men of Gibeah leads to a national crisis. The tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah and demand that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators. When Benjamin refuses, a civil war ensues. The conflict is devastating, resulting in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin. Judges 20:46 records, "On that day 25,000 Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant warriors" .

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of the Men of Gibeah serves as a stark illustration of the moral decay and lawlessness that characterized Israel during the time of the Judges. It underscores the consequences of a society that has turned away from God's covenant and the need for righteous leadership. The narrative also highlights the themes of justice and the communal responsibility to uphold God's standards.

Legacy and Lessons

The account of Gibeah is a sobering reminder of the depths of human sinfulness and the chaos that ensues when God's law is disregarded. It serves as a call to faithfulness and the pursuit of justice, urging believers to uphold righteousness in their communities. The events at Gibeah ultimately set the stage for the demand for a king in Israel, as the people sought stability and moral order, leading to the anointing of Saul, who was from Gibeah, as Israel's first king.