Topical Encyclopedia
The Tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, faced near annihilation due to a grievous incident involving the men of Gibeah, a city within their territory. This event is recorded in the Book of Judges, chapters 19 to 21, and serves as a significant episode in the history of Israel, highlighting themes of justice, tribal loyalty, and divine judgment.
Background and Incident at GibeahThe narrative begins with a Levite and his concubine traveling through the region of Benjamin. They decide to spend the night in Gibeah, where they are taken in by an elderly man. However, the men of the city, described as "wicked men," surround the house and demand to have relations with the Levite. In a tragic turn of events, the Levite's concubine is given over to the mob, and she is brutally abused throughout the night, leading to her death (
Judges 19:22-28).
Call for Justice and Civil WarThe Levite, in response to this atrocity, dismembers the concubine's body and sends the pieces throughout the territories of Israel, calling for justice. The tribes of Israel gather at Mizpah, united in their outrage, and demand that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators from Gibeah. However, the Benjamites refuse to hand over the guilty men, choosing instead to protect them (
Judges 20:1-13).
This refusal leads to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The Israelites, numbering 400,000, prepare to fight against the Benjamites, who muster 26,000 warriors, including 700 elite left-handed slingers (
Judges 20:14-17).
The Battle and Near AnnihilationThe conflict is fierce and spans several days. Initially, the Benjamites achieve surprising victories, inflicting heavy casualties on the Israelites. However, after seeking the LORD's guidance and renewing their commitment to justice, the Israelites eventually prevail. On the third day of battle, they set an ambush around Gibeah, leading to the defeat of the Benjamite forces. The tribe of Benjamin suffers catastrophic losses, with 25,000 of their warriors killed, leaving only 600 men who flee to the rock of Rimmon (
Judges 20:18-47).
Aftermath and RestorationThe aftermath of the battle leaves the tribe of Benjamin on the brink of extinction. The Israelites, struck by remorse for the near destruction of one of their own tribes, seek a way to preserve the Benjamites. They devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving men, ensuring the continuation of the tribe. This involves sparing women from Jabesh-gilead and allowing the Benjamites to take wives from the dancers at Shiloh during a festival (
Judges 21:1-23).
SignificanceThe near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of justice within the community of God's people. It underscores the need for accountability and the dangers of tribal loyalty that supersedes moral and divine law. This episode also highlights God's mercy and the restoration of a tribe that was on the brink of extinction, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Jacob.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Judges 20:12-48And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
Who was Benjamin in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the story of the Levite and his concubine? | GotQuestions.orgBenjamin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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