Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Judges 20 Devotional

Justice in Sinful Hands

“Then the Israelites, all the people, went up to Bethel, where they sat weeping before the LORD. That day they fasted until evening and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.”Judges 20:26 (BSB)

Israel's response to Gibeah begins rightly. The tribes gather as one before the LORD (20:1), hear the Levite's account, and ask Benjamin to hand over the guilty men (20:12-13). Benjamin refuses and gathers to defend Gibeah, turning a crime into a war.

Israel has already decided to fight, and they ask only which tribe should go first (20:18). They lose twenty-two thousand men. They weep, ask again, and lose eighteen thousand more (20:21-25). Only then do they go up to Bethel to weep, fast, and offer sacrifices, and this time they ask whether to fight or stop (20:26-28). God promises victory, and the text says the LORD defeated Benjamin (20:35). Then Israel turns on the rest of Benjamin, putting towns, people, and animals to the sword, until only six hundred men survive (20:47-48). The next chapter finds them grieving. God's judgment on sin is real, and those who carry it out still need mercy. Before acting against a wrong, ask God humbly not only how, but whether.

To think about: When you face a real wrong, how might you seek God with humility before deciding what to do about it?

About Judges 20: Israel Goes to War Against Benjamin

The tribes meet at Mizpah, hear the Levite describe the crime at Gibeah, and demand that Benjamin give up the guilty men. Benjamin refuses, and Israel loses two battles despite seeking God, then weeps, fasts, and sacrifices. A third attack with an ambush succeeds, and only six hundred Benjamites escape.

Take the Judges 20 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.