What is the meaning of Judges 20:11?

So

- The word “So” links this verse to the previous verses, where the tribes seek the Lord’s counsel after the horrific crime at Gibeah (Judges 20:1–10).

- It signals that what follows is the direct, obedient response to God’s direction already sought (Judges 20:18).

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all the men of Israel

- Displays complete national involvement; no tribe remains indifferent (cf. Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 11:7).

- Shows shared responsibility for purging evil from their midst, echoing Deuteronomy 13:12-18 where collective action is required against wickedness.

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gathered as one man

- Emphasizes perfect unity—twelve tribes acting with a single purpose (Nehemiah 8:1; Acts 4:32).

- Highlights the power of agreement when God’s people stand together; contrast this unity with earlier tribal fracture in Judges 5:16-17.

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united against the city

- “The city” refers to Gibeah of Benjamin (Judges 19:14). Their unity is directed toward confronting sin rather than battling one another (Ephesians 6:12).

- They are poised for just discipline, fulfilling God’s mandate to cleanse the land (Numbers 35:33-34).

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summary

Judges 20:11 records Israel’s wholehearted, unified resolve to confront grievous sin. Every tribe participates, acting “as one man,” demonstrating the strength and necessity of corporate unity when obeying God’s call to uphold righteousness.