Judges 20:8

And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any [of us] go to his tent, neither will we any [of us] turn into his house.

And all the people {H5971} arose {H6965} as one {H259} man {H376}, saying {H559}, We will not any {H376} of us go {H3212} to his tent {H168}, neither will we any {H376} of us turn {H5493} into his house {H1004}.

All the people stood up in agreement and said, "None of us will go home to his tent or his house.

Then all the people stood as one man and said, โ€œNot one of us will return to his tent or to his house.

And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn unto his house.

Commentary

Context

The book of Judges details a tumultuous period in Israel's history, marked by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. Judges 20:8 follows a horrific event described in Judges chapter 19, where a Levite's concubine was brutally abused and killed by wicked men of Gibeah, a city in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The Levite dismembered her body and sent pieces to all the tribes of Israel, a shocking act intended to convey the extreme depravity committed within Israel and to provoke a national response. This verse captures the immediate and unified reaction of the other Israelite tribes gathered at Mizpah, who were appalled by the atrocity.

Meaning and Significance

The phrase "And all the people arose as one man" powerfully conveys the extraordinary unity and collective outrage that gripped the Israelite nation. This was not a hesitant or divided assembly; their decision was unanimous and resolute. Their declaration, "We will not any [of us] go to his tent, neither will we any [of us] turn into his house," signifies an unyielding commitment to justice. It was a solemn oath, a refusal to return to their homes and daily lives until the profound wickedness committed by the Benjamites of Gibeah was addressed and punished. This commitment highlights the gravity of the offense and the deep moral conviction of the people that such evil could not be tolerated within the covenant community of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Unprecedented Unity: In a period often characterized by tribal independence and internal strife, this verse showcases a rare moment of Israelite solidarity, driven by a shared moral outrage against gross sin.
  • Commitment to Justice: The people's refusal to return home underscores their unwavering determination to see justice served and to purge evil from their midst, reflecting a core principle of God's law for Israel.
  • Moral Outrage: The horrific nature of the crime provoked a profound sense of shock and indignation, leading to a unified call for accountability against the offenders.
  • Collective Responsibility: The tribes understood that an unpunished crime of this magnitude defiled the entire nation and required a collective response to uphold the integrity of the covenant.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "as one man" is k'ish echad (ื›ึฐึผืึดื™ืฉื ืึถื—ึธื“), literally meaning "like one man." This idiom emphasizes complete unanimity, a singular mind and purpose among a large group. It highlights the profound agreement and shared resolve that permeated the assembly at Mizpah, indicating a rare moment of unified purpose in the often fragmented era of the Judges.

Practical Application

Judges 20:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing united against profound injustice and moral corruption.

It teaches us that:

  • Unity for Righteous Causes: When faced with clear evil, a unified and determined stand is often necessary to bring about change and uphold moral standards.
  • Commitment to Accountability: A healthy community or society must not tolerate grave offenses but must be committed to seeing justice prevail, even if it requires significant sacrifice or disruption to personal comfort.
  • Moral Courage: The Israelites' refusal to go home demonstrates a willingness to prioritize collective righteousness over individual convenience, a vital aspect of living a life pleasing to God.

This verse sets the stage for the severe consequences that follow, detailed in the ensuing conflict with the tribe of Benjamin, emphasizing the high cost of unaddressed sin and the fierce pursuit of divine justice.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 20:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:10 (3 votes)

    Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

  • Proverbs 21:3 (2 votes)

    ยถ To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

  • Judges 20:11 (2 votes)

    So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.

  • Judges 21:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

  • Judges 21:5 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel said, Who [is there] among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.