Judg 20:12-13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Judg 20:12-13: 20:12-13 Israel recognized corporate responsibility. The leading citizens of Gibeah were guilty (20:5 ), and all of Gibeah became an accessory to their crimes by failing to discipline them. The tribe of Benjamin , in turn, had a responsibility to bring Gibeah to justice; failing that, they all shared the guilt. Had Israel not done something about Benjamin’s sin, the guilt would then have extended to the entire nation.

a20:12-13►

c20:13-17►

dGen 49:27►

eJudg 3:12-30►

f1 Chr 12:2►

gJudg 20:18-24►

‏ Judges 20:12-13

Summary for Judg 20:12-13: 20:12-13 ^a Israel recognized corporate responsibility. The leading citizens of Gibeah were guilty (20:5 ^b), and all of Gibeah became an accessory to their crimes by failing to discipline them. The tribe of Benjamin, in turn, had a responsibility to bring Gibeah to justice; failing that, they all shared the guilt. Had Israel not done something about Benjamin’s sin, the guilt would then have extended to the entire nation.
Summary for Judg 20:13-17: 20:13-17 ^c Benjamin’s response was consistent with its independent and warlike character (cp. Gen 49:27 ^d). The tribe had justifiable confidence in the warriors for which it was famous (Judg 3:12-30 ^e; 1 Chr 12:2 ^f). Though outnumbered almost three to one, they defeated the rest of Israel twice and inflicted heavy casualties (Judg 20:18-24 ^g).