Judges 20:12

*Then the tribes of Israel sent men through the entire tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What is this wickedness that has taken place among you?”* (v.12). This verse takes place during the turbulent period of the Judges (roughly 1375 – 1050 BC), a time characterized by repeated cycles of Israel’s disobedience, oppression by enemies, cries for deliverance, and God’s rescue through chosen leaders. Here, the eleven tribes, deeply disturbed by a brutal crime committed in the town of Gibeah, confront the tribe of Benjamin to demand an explanation for the grievous sin that has occurred within its territory. The phrase “wickedness that has taken place among you” underscores the collective responsibility that Israel believed each of its tribes bore for upholding the moral and spiritual requirements of the covenant.

In this historical setting, the tribe of Benjamin occupied a central region in the land of Israel, located just north of Judah and south of Ephraim. By sending messengers “through the entire tribe of Benjamin,” the rest of Israel was seeking a proper account, hoping that the tribe would hand over the guilty parties or at least acknowledge and address the crime. This step shows both the seriousness of the offense and the unity the other tribes felt in defending God’s moral law and preserving the holiness of the land. However, as the chapter later reveals, Benjamin’s defensive and unrepentant posture escalates the situation into a devastating civil conflict.

Even though this verse is brief, it reflects Israel’s communal ethics: when sin was committed, the whole nation was impacted. Their actions were an attempt to deal decisively with evil, in line with the covenant instructions which taught Israel to purge corruption from within its ranks (Deuteronomy 13:5). By highlighting accountability within the community, Judges 20:12 links to the broader biblical theme of confronting wrongdoing to maintain righteousness before God.

This verse reminds us that sin left unaddressed among God’s people not only damages those immediately involved but can spread discord and ultimately lead to severe consequences.