Judges 20:10

And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.

And we will take {H3947} ten {H6235} men {H582} of an hundred {H3967} throughout all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, and an hundred {H3967} of a thousand {H505}, and a thousand {H505} out of ten thousand {H7233}, to fetch {H3947} victual {H6720} for the people {H5971}, that they may do {H6213}, when they come {H935} to Gibeah {H1387} of Benjamin {H1144}, according to all the folly {H5039} that they have wrought {H6213} in Israel {H3478}.

we'll take ten men out of each hundred throughout all the tribes of Isra'el, and a hundred out of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand to collect food for the others. When these come to Giv'ah in Binyamin, they will avenge the crime that was committed."

We will take ten men out of every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred out of every thousand, and a thousand out of every ten thousand, to supply provisions for the army when they go to Gibeah in Benjamin to punish them for the atrocity they have committed in Israel.”

and we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victuals for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.

Commentary

Judges 20:10 captures a critical moment in ancient Israel's history, reflecting the tribes' unified resolve to confront a heinous crime and restore justice. This verse details the logistical preparations of the Israelite army as they prepare to address the grave sin committed by the men of Gibeah, a city within the tribe of Benjamin.

Context

This verse is situated in one of the darkest narratives of the Book of Judges, a period characterized by moral and spiritual decline where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). It follows the horrific account of the Levite's concubine in Judges 19, where men of Gibeah committed a vile act of rape and murder. The outrage from this incident spurred all the other tribes of Israel to gather at Mizpah (Judges 20:1), seeking counsel from God on how to respond. Judges 20:10 outlines their practical strategy for provisioning their large military force, emphasizing their determination to punish the "folly" that had been wrought in Israel.

Key Themes

  • Unified Resolve for Justice: Despite the fragmented nature of Israel during the Judges period, this event demonstrates a remarkable moment of unity among the tribes. They put aside internal differences to collectively address a severe moral outrage, highlighting the importance of communal responsibility for upholding righteousness.
  • Organizational Preparedness: The detailed plan for supplying the army ("ten men of an hundred... to fetch victual") showcases the serious and organized nature of their response. It indicates a significant mobilization of forces, underscoring the gravity with which they viewed the crime and their determination to execute justice.
  • Consequences of "Folly": The verse explicitly states their aim is to act "according to all the folly that they have wrought." This emphasizes that grave sins have severe consequences, requiring decisive action to cleanse the community and reaffirm moral standards.

Linguistic Insights

The term "folly" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew word nevalah (Χ Φ°Χ‘ΦΈΧœΦΈΧ”). This word is much stronger than simple foolishness or error. It denotes a disgraceful, shameful, and morally reprehensible act, often associated with depravity, wickedness, and a flagrant disregard for divine and human laws. It implies an act that is vile, senseless, and deserving of severe condemnation, as seen in its use regarding the outrage against Dinah in Genesis 34:7. Its application here underscores the extreme nature of the crime in Gibeah and the deep moral corruption it represented within Israel.

Practical Application

Judges 20:10, though set in a specific historical context, offers timeless principles. It reminds us of the importance of confronting grave injustices and moral depravity within any community. While the methods of justice have evolved, the underlying principle of seeking righteousness and holding wrongdoers accountable remains vital. The meticulous planning for supplies also suggests that even in the pursuit of justice, wisdom, organization, and discernment are crucial. Ultimately, this verse highlights that actions of "folly" or deep wickedness bring severe consequences, not just for individuals but for entire communities and nations, necessitating a collective commitment to moral integrity.

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Cross-References

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