Judges 20:7

KJV

Behold, ye [are] all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, ye are all children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; give {H3051} here {H1988} your advice {H1697} and counsel {H6098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, you are all people of Isra'el. So discuss what to do, and give your advice here and now."

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, all you Israelites, give your advice and verdict here and now.”

American Standard Version

Behold, ye children of Israel, all of you, give here your advice and counsel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 20:7 captures a pivotal moment when the Levite, whose concubine was brutally murdered in Gibeah, addresses the assembled tribes of Israel. Having recounted the horrific crime and displayed the dismembered remains of his concubine, he appeals to their shared identity as "children of Israel" and implores them to offer collective "advice and counsel." This verse marks a desperate plea for national unity and a deliberate, unified response to the profound moral decay and heinous injustice that has stained the covenant community, setting the stage for the tragic civil war that follows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 20:7 immediately follows the Levite's harrowing testimony to the assembled tribes of Israel at Mizpeh, as detailed in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine"). Chapter 19 recounts the unspeakable crime committed by the men of Gibeah against his concubine, culminating in her death and the Levite's shocking act of dismembering her body into twelve pieces, sending them throughout Israel as a desperate call for justice and intervention. This verse is the Levite's direct appeal to the nation after presenting his case, urging them to deliberate and decide on a unified course of action against the perpetrators. It serves as the catalyst for the national assembly's decision to confront the tribe of Benjamin, leading directly into the tragic civil war described in the remainder of [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The War Against Benjamin").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Judges 20:7 occur during a period of profound moral and spiritual decline in Israel, characterized by the recurring refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (as seen in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). This era was marked by tribal autonomy, a weakening central authority, and a pervasive disregard for covenant law. The gathering at Mizpeh was significant, as it was a traditional place for national assemblies and spiritual discernment. The crime against the concubine, a severe violation of hospitality and human dignity, was considered an affront not just to the Levite, but to the entire covenant community, demanding a corporate response to purge evil from their midst, reflecting the principles found in passages like [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from Israel").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several critical themes. First, it underscores **National Unity and Collective Responsibility**, as the Levite reminds them they are "all children of Israel," emphasizing their shared identity and covenantal obligation to uphold justice within their borders. The crime against one individual is presented as an affront to the entire nation, demanding a unified response. Second, it points to the desperate need for **Seeking Justice and Accountability** in a society spiraling into moral decay. The call for "advice and counsel" signifies a desire for deliberate, communal judgment rather than impulsive vengeance, underscoring the serious nature of the situation and the need to hold perpetrators accountable. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of **Deliberation and Wise Counsel** in times of crisis, reflecting the ancient Israelite practice of communal decision-making in matters affecting the whole community, as also advised in [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **children of Israel (Hebrew, _b'nei Yisrael'_):** This phrase is a foundational designation for the Israelite people, emphasizing their descent from Jacob (Israel) and, more profoundly, their identity as God's covenant people. In this context, the Levite's use of "all children of Israel" is a powerful rhetorical appeal, reminding the assembled tribes of their shared heritage, their common obligations under the Mosaic Law, and their collective responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness within the community, implying that an offense against one was an offense against all.
* **advice (Hebrew, _'etsah'_):** This term denotes a deliberate plan, a strategic course of action, or a well-considered counsel. It implies a thoughtful and reasoned approach to a complex problem, seeking a unified strategy rather than individual opinions or impulsive reactions. The Levite is not merely asking for suggestions but for a collective, binding decision on how to proceed.
* **counsel (Hebrew, _davar'_):** While _davar_ can mean "word" or "thing," in this context, paired with _'etsah_, it refers to a weighty matter, a decision, or a pronouncement. It signifies the substance of the advice, the concrete resolution or judgment that the assembly is expected to render. Together, "advice and counsel" call for a comprehensive, unified, and authoritative national policy to address the crisis.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, ye [are] all children of Israel;":** This opening clause serves as a powerful reminder and invocation of their shared identity and covenantal relationship with God. The Levite appeals to their common heritage and corporate responsibility, implying that the heinous crime committed in Gibeah is not merely a local issue but a national affront that demands a unified response from all who bear the name "Israel." It highlights the concept of corporate solidarity within the covenant community.
* **"give here your advice and counsel.":** This is a direct, urgent plea for a collective, deliberate, and strategic decision. The Levite is not seeking casual opinions but a formal, well-considered judgment and a unified plan of action from the assembled leaders and representatives of the tribes. It underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the entire nation to participate in discerning and executing justice, reflecting the communal nature of law and order in ancient Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 20:7 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Direct Address**, as the Levite speaks directly and forcefully to the assembled tribes, creating an immediate and urgent tone. His opening phrase, "Behold, ye are all children of Israel," functions as an **Appeal to Identity and Shared Values**, invoking their covenantal relationship and collective responsibility to God and one another. This also carries an element of **Pathos**, as the preceding narrative (Judges 19) has already stirred deep outrage and sorrow, making his plea for justice emotionally resonant. The doubling of terms, "advice and counsel," is a form of **Emphasis** or **Hendiadys**, intensifying the request for a comprehensive, well-thought-out, and unified national resolution. It is a direct **Call to Action**, demanding not just passive listening but active participation in a critical decision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 20:7 stands as a stark testament to the theological principle of corporate responsibility within God's covenant people. The Levite's appeal to "all children of Israel" underscores that sin, especially grievous sin, committed within the community affects the entire body. This passage highlights the divine expectation for God's people to actively pursue justice, purge evil from their midst, and collectively discern God's will in times of crisis. The failure to address such depravity not only corrupts the individual but defiles the entire nation, jeopardizing their covenant relationship with God. It also speaks to the importance of seeking wise, communal counsel when facing moral dilemmas, recognizing that collective wisdom, when guided by divine principles, can lead to righteous judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from Israel")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")
* [1 Corinthians 5:1-5](/1_corinthians/5-1 "1 Corinthians 5:1-5 - Dealing with Immorality in the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 20:7 serves as a powerful, albeit tragic, reminder of the enduring importance of communal responsibility and the pursuit of justice within any group claiming to follow God. In our contemporary context, this verse challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and as the church, respond to injustice and moral decay within our own communities and the broader society. It compels us to move beyond passive observation to active engagement, seeking wise counsel and unified action when confronted with egregious sin or systemic brokenness. The Levite's appeal for "advice and counsel" underscores the value of collective discernment, reminding us that wisdom often resides in the multitude of counselors, and that difficult decisions are best made through prayerful, collaborative deliberation rather than individual impulse or apathy. It also serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating the devastating consequences when a society, even one with a covenant relationship with God, drifts so far from divine standards that it requires such drastic intervention.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our shared identity as followers of Christ call us to address injustice and moral brokenness within our communities today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the church, actively seek and apply "advice and counsel" when facing difficult ethical dilemmas or societal challenges?**
* **What are the dangers of allowing sin or injustice to fester within a community, and what is our responsibility to "purge the evil" from our midst?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Levite emphasize "all children of Israel" in his appeal?**

Answer: The Levite's emphasis on "all children of Israel" is a crucial rhetorical strategy. It serves to remind the assembled tribes of their shared covenant identity and corporate responsibility. An egregious crime like the one committed in Gibeah was not merely a private offense but a direct affront to the entire nation and its covenant with God. By highlighting their collective identity, the Levite implies that the sin of Gibeah had defiled the whole community, and therefore, the entire nation bore the responsibility to address it and purge the evil from their midst, in line with principles found in [Deuteronomy 13:5](/deuteronomy/13-5 "Deuteronomy 13:5 - Purging Evil from Israel"). It was a call for national solidarity in the face of profound moral decay.

**What was the significance of the Levite's request for "advice and counsel" in this context?**

Answer: The request for "advice and counsel" was highly significant. It was not a casual query but a formal plea for a collective, deliberate, and unified national strategy and judgment. In ancient Israel, especially in matters of such gravity, communal decision-making was vital. The Levite was calling for the assembled leaders and representatives of the tribes to engage in serious deliberation, to weigh the matter according to God's law, and to arrive at a unified course of action to uphold justice and restore order. It underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for a comprehensive, national response, reflecting the wisdom found in [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel") that "in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 20:7, with its desperate plea for counsel and justice amidst Israel's moral chaos, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect King and Counselor. The Levite's appeal for "advice and counsel" from a fractured and morally compromised nation highlights humanity's inherent inability to perfectly govern itself or administer true justice without divine guidance. This chaotic period of "every man doing what was right in his own eyes" (as seen in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")) ultimately points to Jesus Christ, who is prophesied as the "Wonderful Counselor" in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Wonderful Counselor"). Unlike the flawed counsel of fallen humanity, Christ's wisdom is perfect, and His judgment is righteous. He is the one who perfectly embodies and establishes justice, not merely by punishing sin, but by atoning for it, taking away the sin of the world as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The unity that Israel struggled to achieve, and the justice they failed to consistently uphold, are fully realized in Christ's body, the Church, where believers are called to live in harmony under His headship, empowered by His Spirit to pursue righteousness and justice in a way that Israel could not on its own (as seen in [Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity in the Body of Christ")). He is the true King who brings order, counsel, and ultimate salvation to His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 19:30

And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day: consider of it, take advice, and speak [your minds].

1 Corinthians 5:1

¶ It is reported commonly [that there is] fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

Deuteronomy 4:6

Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.

Joshua 9:14

And the men took of their victuals, and asked not [counsel] at the mouth of the LORD.

Proverbs 20:18

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

Deuteronomy 14:1

¶ Ye [are] the children of the LORD your God: ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

Deuteronomy 14:2

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.