Verse Context and Summary

This verse occurs during a critical moment in Israel's history, where civil war breaks out between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The passage signifies unity among the tribes as they prepare to confront their fellow Israelites, indicating a collective resolve to address the injustice that has occurred.

Commentary Insights

The combined insights from well-known public domain commentaries shed light on this verse:

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry points out the significance of mutual encouragement among the Israelites. Their unity and determination demonstrate the importance of communal responsibility in addressing sin within their society. The encouragement reflects their willingness to confront evil, which he views as a necessary response to wrongdoing.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes the idea of brotherhood among the tribes. In recognizing their kinship, the tribes are spurred into action to rectify the wrongs done, illustrating the weight of familial duty in biblical narratives. He discusses how this verse highlights a pivotal moment where the Israelites seek justice and restoration of righteousness.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke analyzes the phrase "encouraged one another," stressing the role of collective morale. He notes how this verse exemplifies the human need for support when facing overwhelming challenges. Clarke points to the historical context, as internal conflict required a rallying of support to combat a common enemy, even if that enemy was a fellow Israelite.

Cross-References

This verse is intricately linked with several other scriptures, providing deeper insight into its themes:

• Deuteronomy 13:12-15: Addresses the punishment of sin within Israel, emphasizing the seriousness of maintaining communal purity.
• Joshua 22:20: Highlights the repercussions of individual sin affecting the community, reinforcing the need for collective accountability.
• Galatians 6:1: Encouragement to restore a brother overtaken in sin, which parallels the encouragement seen in Judges 20:22.
• 1 Corinthians 5:6-7: Discusses the need to purge sin from among God’s people, echoing the sentiments of the Israelites taking action against Benjamin.
• Hebrews 10:24-25: Urges believers to spur one another on towards love and good deeds, resonating with the mutual encouragement in this verse.
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: Highlights the strength found in companionship, which mirrors the encouragement seen in the face of adversity among the tribes.
• Philippians 1:27: Calls for unity in the face of opposition, reflecting the collective stance of the Israelites as illustrated in Judges 20:22.

Thematic Connections

This verse encapsulates several themes and motifs visible throughout the Bible:

• Unity and Brotherhood: The verse's emphasis on encouragement reflects the biblical principle of unity among believers, as seen in various New Testament letters.
• Justice and Accountability: The rallying cry for action highlights the need to confront sin, a recurring motif from the laws of Moses through to the teachings of the Apostles.
• Encouragement: This verse denotes the importance of support and motivating each other, which is reinforced across multiple scriptural accounts.

Conclusion

Judges 20:22 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, encouragement, and accountability in the face of moral failure. By understanding this verse in conjunction with its cross-references and thematic connections, readers can gain deeper insights into the biblical call for communal responsibility and the strength found in collective resolve.