Judges 20:9

When the united tribes of Israel outline their strategy, they declare, *“But this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up against it by lot”* (v.9). The verse conveys their collective decision to address the gross sin that had occurred in Gibeah, a city within the territory of Benjamin. Gibeah was located a few miles north of Jerusalem, in the region allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, placing it within the southern part of the Promised Land during the period of the Judges (approximately 1375–1050 BC). By saying they would “go up against it by lot,” the Israelites demonstrate a solemn determination to proceed with fairness and collective unity, relying on the casting of lots to ascertain their approach.

In the broader narrative, the men of Gibeah had committed a horrific crime, which roused the indignation and resolve of the other tribes. This moment of decision follows a gathering of the tribes who sought to purge evil from their midst in accordance with the covenant they held with God. Later biblical teachings resonate with this sense of justice, underscoring both the seriousness of sin and the necessity for uprightness. The willingness to cast lots, an ancient practice often used to discern divine will, reflected their earnest desire for God’s guidance in meting out rightful judgment (see Proverbs 16:33 NASB-95 for a reference to the lot in decision-making).

Furthermore, this verse points toward Israel’s broader struggle to uphold righteousness and maintain unity even in times of moral decay. Though they sought to judge the wrongdoing in Gibeah, the conflict itself serves as a warning that all tribes, and indeed all people, require the mercy of God to avoid similar downfalls. In the New Testament, this principle is underlined by the work of Jesus, who extends grace to those who repent (see John 1:17 NASB-95), revealing that only through divine guidance can human justice be fulfilled in harmony with God’s righteousness.

The Israelites agree to move against Gibeah by lot because sin must be confronted with unity and reliance on God.