(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?

JUDGES 20:3KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“Mizpeh” Hebrew H4709 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:49 And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
  • 1 Samuel 7:11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until they came under Bethcar.
  • Nehemiah 3:19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

“was” Hebrew H1961 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
  • Exodus 12:4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
  • 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul's servant, and said unto him, I have given unto thy master's son all that pertained to Saul and to all his house.