Judges 20:3 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:3 mean?

Judges 20:3 describes how the tribe of Benjamin became aware that the rest of Israel had gathered at Mizpeh, and then the Israelites asked among themselves for an explanation of the terrible crime that had occurred. The verse sets the stage for a confrontation by showing that the Israelites were seeking to understand the details of the wrongdoing before taking action.

The setting is a national assembly at Mizpeh, where representatives from the tribes of Israel have come together after hearing about a shocking act committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. The Israelites, wanting to address the situation justly, ask for a report on how this "wickedness" happened, indicating a desire for clarity and accountability before proceeding.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:3

• "Wickedness" (רָעָה, ra‘ah): This word often means evil, harm, or something morally wrong. Here, it highlights the seriousness of the crime that has brought the tribes together and signals that the issue is not just a minor offense but something deeply troubling.
• "Tell" (דָּבַר, dabar): This verb means to speak or declare. The Israelites are not jumping to conclusions but are asking for a clear account, showing a concern for justice and due process.
• "Children" (בֵּן, ben): Used repeatedly for both Benjamin and Israel, this word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing the family relationship among the tribes and the internal nature of the conflict.

Why Judges 20:3 matters

• Judges 20:3 shows that the Israelites did not immediately act on rumors but sought a factual account, highlighting the importance of truth and justice in community decisions.
• The verse underscores the tension between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel, setting up the gravity of the coming conflict and the need for careful deliberation.
• By focusing on the word "wickedness," the verse connects this event to the broader theme in Judges of moral decline and the consequences of evil within the community.