Judges 19:30
*“And all who saw it said, ‘Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen from the day when the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt to this day. Consider it, take counsel and speak up!’” (Judges 19:30).*
This verse concludes one of the most unsettling narratives in the period of the Judges (ca. 1380–1050 BC), when Israel was not yet ruled by a king but was expected to follow God’s laws under the leadership of tribal judges. The location central to this event was Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin near modern-day Jerusalem. After a horrific crime was committed against a Levite’s concubine—leading to her death—the Levite sent twelve shocking reminders of the atrocity throughout Israel, stirring the entire nation. This gruesome act prompted the reaction described in the verse: *“Nothing like this has ever happened … Consider it, take counsel and speak up!” (Judges 19:30).* Israel was so disturbed that they soon convened and marched to war against the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20), demonstrating just how deeply their collective moral compass had been shaken. citeturn0file6
When *Judges 19:30* says *“from the day when the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt to this day” (Judges 19:30)*, it underscores how unimaginable this evil was compared to all previous hardships, including centuries of bondage in Egypt. Not even their rescue from slavery nor the challenges they endured in the wilderness had led to such chaotic violence among fellow Israelites. This gruesome episode showcased the desperate need for godly leadership and for hearts that truly feared the Lord. Passages elsewhere in Scripture refer to this grim event to illustrate Israel’s deep depravity (Hosea 9:9), revealing that sin and societal breakdown are not only personal but have generational consequences. citeturn0file6
Spiritually, the shock that Israel experienced can point us toward the reality that humanity longs for redemption from wrongdoing and oppression. Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly calls His people to repent and walk in righteousness (Isaiah 1:16–17 NASB-95), setting a path forward beyond moral catastrophe. Ultimately, the need for a new covenant—sealed by Jesus—becomes evident when God’s people see how sin devastates community life (Romans 8:3–4 NASB-95). Just as Israel recognized they needed divine guidance after witnessing such horror, we too need the grace found in Christ to restore our own brokenness and lead us to live in justice and compassion.
This verse highlights Israel’s realization that sinful acts can reach shocking depths, urging everyone to reflect, seek wisdom, and respond with communal righteousness.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 19:30-41 meaning. Paul tries to enter the theater where his friends are held captive, but he is not allowed inside. The mob inside the theater is so large and frenzied that many there don’t understand what the cause of the riot is. They shout “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” for two hours until a city clerk comes. The clerk shames the mob for disrupting the city. He defends the two disciples whom the mob has captured, noting that these men have committed no crimes. The city clerk commands everyone to go home, or else Rome will come and occupy the city in full force to prevent future riots.
- Genesis 19:34-38 meaning. The next day, the older sister convinced the younger sister to do what she had done the night before. Again, Lot was given too much wine and the younger daughter had sexual relations with him. Lot was unaware of this event also.
- Judges 4:1-3 meaning. The beginning of Judges 4 recounts the cycle of Israel’s disobedience and God’s response. After the death of Ehud, Israel again turns away from God, and as a consequence, they fall under the oppressive rule of Jabin and his commander Sisera, who wields a formidable military force. The Israelites, overwhelmed by this oppression, cry out to the Lord for deliverance.