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.
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:
- Judges 5:12-18 meaning. Deborah and Barak’s victory song continues, praising those tribes who joined the fight and criticizing those who stayed behind.
- Exodus 12:29-36 meaning. Verses 29-36 relate the coming of the tenth plague and its immediate aftermath. The time for judgment (on Egypt) and deliverance (for Israel) had come. The LORD Himself went through the land of Egypt at midnight and killed all of the firstborn, even Pharaoh’s. Pharaoh woke up, saw what had happened, and called Moses and Aaron and told them to leave Egypt with all their families and flocks. He also asked Moses for a final blessing.
- Matthew 12:22-29 meaning. Matthew narrates the third of four confrontations between Jesus and the Pharisees. Finding themselves unable to deny the miraculous power Jesus has, the Pharisees accuse Him of being a demonic agent.