JUDGES CHAPTER 20 The Israelites assemble at Mizpeh: the Levite declares his wrong, Judges 20:1-7. Their decree, Judges 20:8-11, They require the delinquents of the Benjamites to do justice on them; they are denied, Judges 20:12-17. Whereupon, having consulted God, they march to fight against them; are twice foiled; and lose forty thousand men, Judges 20:18-25. Being humbled, and receiving clearer revelation from God, they, by a stratagem, destroy the whole tribe, six hundred men excepted, (who fled away,) and burnt their cities, Judges 20:26-48. All the children of Israel, i.e. a great number, and especially the rulers of all the tribes, except Benjamin, Judges 20:3,12. Went out, from their several habitations. As one man, i.e. with one consent. From Dan even to Beer-sheba; Dan was the northern border of the land, near Lebanon; and Beer-sheba the southern border, Genesis 21:33. Compare 1 Kings 4:25. The land of Gilead, beyond Jordan, where Reuben, Gad, and half Manasseh were. Unto the Lord; as to the Lord's tribunal; for God was not only present in the place where the ark and tabernacle was, but also in the assemblies of the gods, or judges, Psalms 82:1, and in all the places where God's name is recorded, Exodus 20:24, and where two or three are met together in his name, Matthew 18:20, for his service, and to seek for counsel and mercy from him: compare Judges 11:11. In Mizpeh; a place in the borders of Judah and Benjamin, and therefore ascribed to both of them, Joshua 15:38, Joshua 18:26. This they chose, as a place most fit and proper in many respects. First, As a place they used to meet in upon solemn occasions: see Judges 10:17, Judges 11:11 1 Samuel 7:5,16 1 Samuel 10:17. Secondly, For its convenient situation for all the tribes within and without Jordan. Thirdly, As being near the place where the fact was done, that it might be more thoroughly examined; and not far from Shiloh, where the tabernacle was, whither they might go or send, if need were.
Related Commentaries of Judges 20:1
Judges 20:1
1 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.