What does Judges 20:13 mean?

The verse Judges 20:13 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel."

This verse comes from the book of Judges, which is a historical and moralistic book in the Old Testament that tells the story of the Israelites' struggle to establish a unified nation under God's guidance. The specific verse is part of a larger narrative that describes a brutal and tragic civil war that broke out amongst the tribes of Israel.

In the preceding chapters, the Israelites confronted the tribe of Benjamin after a horrific incident involving the rape and murder of a Levite's concubine in the city of Gibeah, which was located in the territory of Benjamin. This atrocity led to a large-scale conflict between the Israelites and the Benjamites, which resulted in a devastating war.

The verse Judges 20:13 captures the solemn and somber tone of this passage, as the Israelites demand justice and retribution for the wickedness that occurred in Gibeah. The term "children of Belial" is used to describe the men of Gibeah, indicating that they were regarded as base and wicked individuals, corrupt in both their thoughts and actions. The Israelites sought to cleanse their nation of this evil by demanding the surrender and execution of the wrongdoers.

The refusal of the children of Benjamin to comply with the demands of their fellow Israelites further compounds the tragedy of this narrative, as it deepens the division and hostility between the tribes. This verse highlights the gravity of the situation and reflects the deep moral and spiritual crisis that the Israelites were facing at that time.

The verse also touches on several important themes that are prevalent throughout the book of Judges. One such theme is the recurring cycle of sin, rebellion, and judgment that characterizes the relationship between the Israelites and God. The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the moral decay and spiritual waywardness that plagued the nation, leading to devastating consequences.

Furthermore, the verse underscores the importance of justice and righteousness in the eyes of God. The Israelites' demand for the punishment of the men of Gibeah reflects their commitment to upholding God's law and seeking retribution for the victims of the heinous crime. It also highlights the collective responsibility and accountability of the Israelite tribes to uphold justice and morality within their society.

Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a portrayal of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, righteousness and wickedness. The men of Belial in Gibeah represent the forces of darkness and corruption, while the Israelites stand as champions of justice and virtue. The refusal of the children of Benjamin to heed their brethren's plea for justice symbolizes the internal strife and moral discord that threatened to tear the nation apart.

In conclusion, Judges 20:13 encapsulates the moral complexity and tragic nature of the events unfolding in the book of Judges. It serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of moral depravity and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness. The verse also offers profound insights into the spiritual and moral challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to establish a nation under God's guidance.

Artwork for Judges 20:13

Judges 20:13 - "Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:"

"Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:" - Judges 20:13

Acts 13:20 - "And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet."

Judges 13:20 - "For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground."

Revelation 20:13 - "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."

"And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet." - Acts 13:20

Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."

Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."

Judges 20:20 - "And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah."

Judges 2:13 - "And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth."

Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."

Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."

Judges 13:13 - "And the angel of the LORD said unto Manoah, Of all that I said unto the woman let her beware."

Judges 12:13 - "¶ And after him Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel."

Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"

Judges 20:27 - "And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,"

Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."

Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."

Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."

Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"

Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."

Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."

Judges 18:13 - "And they passed thence unto mount Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah."

Judges 8:13 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,"

"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years." - Judges 15:20

Judges 18:20 - "And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people."

Judges 20:9 - "But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;"

Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."

Judges 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male

Luke 13:20-21