Judges 20:7 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:7 mean?

Judges 20:7 is a call from an Israelite leader to the assembled people of Israel, asking them to give their advice and counsel on how to respond to a serious crime that has taken place. The verse invites all the Israelites present to participate in deciding what action should be taken.

In the context of Judges 20, the speaker is addressing the tribes of Israel after hearing about a horrific act committed in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. The leader emphasizes their shared identity as "children of Israel" and urges everyone to contribute their thoughts, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for a collective decision.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:7

• "children" (בְּנֵי, b'nei): This word means "sons" or "children" and stresses the shared heritage and unity of the Israelites being addressed.
• "give" (תְּנוּ, t'nu): This is a direct command, calling for active participation from everyone present, not just passive listening.
• "advice" (דָּבָר, davar): Often translated as "word" or "matter," here it refers to the advice or input each person can offer.
• "counsel" (עֵצָה, etsah): This word means "advice" or "counsel," emphasizing thoughtful, considered input rather than a quick reaction.

Why Judges 20:7 matters

• Judges 20:7 shows that the decision about how to respond to the crime in Gibeah was not made by a single leader but was opened up to the whole assembly of Israel, highlighting the communal nature of justice in ancient Israel.
• The verse emphasizes the seriousness of the situation by invoking the shared identity of the Israelites, reminding them that the issue affects the entire nation, not just one tribe.
• This invitation for advice and counsel sets the stage for the collective action that follows in the chapter, showing how the Israelites sought unity and consensus in times of crisis.