But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;

JUDGES 20:9KJV
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Judges 20:9 (KJV)

What does Judges 20:9 mean?

Judges 20:9 states that the Israelites decided together on a specific plan to attack the city of Gibeah, choosing to determine their approach by casting lots. This verse shows the people agreeing on a unified action and leaving the details of participation up to chance, rather than individual choice.

The verse comes during a crisis meeting of the Israelite tribes after a terrible crime was committed in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. The leaders are speaking to all the people, deciding how to respond. By saying they will "go up by lot," they are organizing their attack in a way that seems fair and impartial, letting chance decide who will go rather than personal preference or favoritism.

The Hebrew behind Judges 20:9

  • "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word often means "matter," "thing," or "decision." Here, it refers to the specific plan or action the Israelites agree to take.
  • "do" (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means "to do" or "to make." It emphasizes that the Israelites are not just talking but are committing to take concrete action.
  • "Gibeah" (גִּבְעָה, Giv'ah): The name of the city in question, which is central to the conflict. Mentioning Gibeah makes clear the target of their decision.
  • "lot" (גּוֹרָל, goral): This word means "lot" or "portion," often used for casting lots to make decisions. Using lots here shows the Israelites are seeking a method seen as fair or divinely guided, rather than relying on human judgment alone.

Why Judges 20:9 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Israelites are acting together as a united group, not as scattered individuals, which is important for understanding the seriousness of their response.
  • The use of casting lots (goral) highlights their desire for fairness and possibly for God's guidance in deciding who would take part in the attack, rather than letting personal interests decide.
  • This decision sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, showing the organized and deliberate nature of the Israelites' actions against Gibeah.

Where else these words appear

“Gibeah” Hebrew H1390 · used in 43 verses

  • Joshua 15:57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
  • Judges 20:25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.
  • 1 Samuel 15:34 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

“lot” Hebrew H1486 · used in 67 verses

  • Leviticus 16:8 And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat.
  • Joshua 19:24 And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.