Understanding Judges 20:10

Judges 20:10 states, "And we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victuals for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel." This verse is situated within the context of a significant national concern, reflecting the collective response of the Israelite tribes regarding a grievous sin that occurred at Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin.

The events leading to this statement arise from a horrific incident involving the Levite and his concubine, which ignited a call for retribution against the Benjaminites. The purpose of Judges 20:10 is to emphasize the seriousness of their mission and the preparedness of Israel to uphold justice against the wrongdoing committed by the tribe of Benjamin.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry highlights that this verse showcases the diligence and organization of the Israelites in rallying together to address wrongdoing. They did not act impulsively but with a plan in mind, indicating a high regard for justice and communal responsibility.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes points out that the meticulous numbers referenced in this verse illustrate the readiness of Israel to mobilize their resources for the task of rectifying moral failure. Such organization reflects the gravity of the situation at Gibeah and the seriousness with which the nation took the charge to restore justice.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke discusses how the delegation represents the unity of the tribes of Israel. Despite their past differences, their commitment to collective action against sin showcases an important theme of repentance and communal responsibility for justice in society.

Bible Cross-References

• Genesis 49:6: This verse relates to the theme of justice and the consequences of moral failure among the tribes of Israel.
• Exodus 23:1: Highlights the importance of bearing false witness, which connects to the themes of justice echoed in Judges 20.
• Deuteronomy 13:12-15: Discusses the response required from the community when grave sins arise, paralleling the Israelite response in Judges 20:10.
• 1 Samuel 11:7: Reflects on gathering the people to combat evil, similar to the mobilization described in Judges 20.
• Romans 12:19: Offers insight into vengeance and justice, tying into the broader narrative of Israel's commitment to uphold righteousness.
• Matthew 18:15-17: Discusses conflict resolution in the church, echoing the principles of confronting sin seen in Judges 20.
• Galatians 6:1: Emphasizes the necessity of dealing with sin within a community, highlighting the communal aspect of justice.

Thematic Connections

Judges 20:10 encapsulates several key themes, including communal responsibility, justice, and the necessity of confronting sin. This is a call to action that resonates throughout the Scriptures, inviting a deeper examination of how believers are tasked with maintaining moral integrity within their communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Judges 20:10 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of collective action against sin. Through an analysis of this verse and its connections to other Scriptures, we see that the Bible is a cohesive text where all parts contribute to a greater understanding of God's will for justice and integrity within human interactions.

Further Exploration

For those seeking to delve deeper into how various Bible verses relate and support one another, utilizing Bible concordance tools and cross-reference Bible study methods can be invaluable. Such resources allow for comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials and aid in understanding how to find cross-references in the Bible, promoting an enriched understanding of Scripture as a whole.