Judges 20:11 meaning

The unity displayed by the tribes of Israel in their decision to confront the wickedness found in Gibeah reflects a significant moment in their history. This collective response, described as being knit together "as one man," magnifies both the seriousness of the crime committed and the dire consequences that would unfold. The gathering of the tribes from Dan to Beer-sheba signifies a nationalistic zeal to uphold justice and rid their community of evil, illustrating a rare episode of solidarity among the otherwise fragmented tribes during the period of the judges.

However, the subsequent decisions taken illustrate a fundamental misalignment with God's will. While their intention was to purge evil, they acted without first seeking divine guidance in their strategy. Instead, they relied on their numbers and presumed righteousness, leading to devastating losses in battle. In this narrative, we see how human resolve, even when aligned against wrongs, can lead to destruction when it is not rooted in God’s commands. This critical episode serves as a warning against handling internal conflicts through mere human strategies rather than seeking divine input first, as seen in Judges 20:11.