Judges 20:14

Then the text says, *“The sons of Benjamin gathered from the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the sons of Israel”* (Judges 20:14). This verse shows us that the men of the tribe of Benjamin rallied together at Gibeah, a city situated in the territory allotted to them, located a few miles north of Jerusalem. The context of this passage takes place during the turbulent time of the judges (roughly 1375–1050 BC). In that era, when central leadership was absent, each tribe often acted independently to address pressing matters among the Israelites.

The tribe of Benjamin, descended from Jacob (Israel) through his wife Rachel, was one of the smaller Israelite tribes. Here, they take a protective stance around Gibeah, refusing to surrender those who had committed a grievous crime. Instead, they interpret the response of the other tribes as aggression and prepare to defend themselves, revealing how quickly division and conflict could arise even among the people of God. By gathering from multiple Benjamite cities, they unify in arms against their fellow Israelites.

Underlying this verse is a warning about allowing unchecked injustice and bitterness to fracture a community. Despite the fact that they were all part of Israel, the Benjamites’ willingness to “go out to battle” against their kin foreshadows the devastating rift that would follow. The sad irony is that those who were meant to be united in their covenant relationship with God now poised themselves for battle against each other, demonstrating how disobedience and misaligned loyalties can tear even a close-knit nation apart.

The tribe of Benjamin defended its own interests rather than pursuing justice and unity.