I pass by the relation of the story itself, (for we had it before in the preceding chapter) to call the Reader's attention to the Levites appeal. What are, or ought to be the children of Israel? Moses had told them long before; Thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, Deuteronomy 7:6. Faithfulness to the God of their salvation, and the most brotherly love and attachment to one another, were implied in this honourable distinction. Nothing therefore could have been more admirably chosen, in the Levite, than to appeal to their feelings, under this high title.
Judges 20:4-7
4 And the Levite,a the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.
5 And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced,b that she is dead.
6 And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
7 Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel.