And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house.
All the people arose as one man. The extraordinary unanimity that prevailed shows that, notwithstanding great disorders had broken out in many parts, the people were sound at the core; and remembering their national covenant with God, now felt the necessity of wiping out so foul a stain on their character as a people. It was resolved that the inhabitants of Gibeah should be subjected to condign punishment. But the resolutions were conditional; because as the common law of nature and nations requires that an inquiry should be made, and satisfaction demanded, before committing an act of hostility or vengeance, messengers were despatched through the whole territory of Benjamin, demanding the immediate surrender or execution of the delinquents. The request was just and reasonable; and by refusing it, the Benjamites virtually made themselves a party in the quarrel. It must not be supposed that the people of this tribe were insensible or indifferent to the atrocious character of the crime that had been committed on their soil. But their patriotism or their pride were offended by the hostile demonstration of the other tribes. The passions were inflamed on both sides; but certainly the Benjamites incurred an awful responsibility by the attitude of resistance they assumed.