What happensPermalink
Israel gathers to avenge the abomination of Gibeah, but the tribe of Benjamin defends their brothers instead of giving them up. In the war, tens of thousands of Israelites and Benjaminites die and many cities of Benjamin are destroyed; in the end, only 600 Benjaminites are left.
Why it mattersPermalink
The evil of Gibeah results in more than 65,000 dead and Israel almost losing one of its tribes. Despite the sin of the people, God shows up to give Israel the victory over Benjamin. This civil war marks Israel’s lowest point yet.
Key versePermalink
“Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel.