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Then the Israelites said, &#8220Tell us how this awful thing happened.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />(Word soon reached the land of Benjamin that the other tribes had gone up to Mizpah.) The Israelites then asked how this terrible crime had happened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />(Now the people of Benjamin heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the people of Israel said, “Tell us, how did this evil happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />(Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, “Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell <i>us</i>, how was this wickedness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) Then the children of Israel said, “Tell <i>us,</i> how did this wicked deed happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />(Now the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the sons of Israel said, “Tell <i>us,</i> how did this wickedness take place?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />(Now the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the sons of Israel said, &#8220Tell us, how did this wickedness take place?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />(Now the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the sons of Israel said, “Tell <i>us,</i> how did this wickedness take place?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />(Then the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the sons of Israel said, “Tell <i>us</i>, how did this evil take place?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />(Now the Benjamites [in whose territory the crime was committed] heard that the [other tribes of the] sons of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the sons of Israel said, “How did this evil thing happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah. The Israelites asked, “Tell us, how did this evil act happen? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah. The Israelites asked, &#8220Tell us, how did this outrage occur?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpah.) And the children of Israel said, Tell us, how was this wickedness brought to pass?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpah.) And the children of Israel said, Tell us, how was this wickedness brought to pass?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The people of Benjamin heard that Israel had come to Mizpah. The people of Israel said, "Tell us how such an evil thing could happen."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Meanwhile the people of Benjamin heard that all the other Israelites had gathered at Mizpah. The Israelites asked, "Tell us, how was this crime committed?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />While the descendants of Benjamin were learning that the Israelis had gone up to Mizpah, the Israelis asked, "Somebody tell us how this evil could happen?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />(Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites asked, ?Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah. Then the Israelites said, "Explain how this wicked thing happened!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />(Now the people of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) The children of Israel said, "Tell us, how did this wickedness happen?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) The children of Israel said, “Tell us, how did this wickedness happen?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the sons of Benjamin hear that the sons of Israel have gone up to Mizpeh. And the sons of Israel say, “Speak! How has this evil been?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the sons of Benjamin hear that the sons of Israel have gone up to Mizpeh. And the sons of Israel say, 'Speak ye, how hath this evil been?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the sons of Benjamin will hear that the sons of Israel went up to Mizpeh. And the sons of Israel will say, Speak ye; how was this evil?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />(Nor were the children of Benjamin ignorant that the children of Israel were come up to Maspha.) And the Levite the husband of the woman that was killed, being asked, how so great a wickedness had been committed, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />(But it was not hidden from the sons of Benjamin that the sons of Israel had ascended to Mizpah.) And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was killed, being questioned as to how so great a crime had been perpetrated,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the Benjaminites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah. The Israelites asked, “How did this evil thing happen?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />(Now the Benjaminites heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the Israelites said, “Tell us, how did this criminal act come about?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />(Now the Benjamites heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how did this wickedness happen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the sons of Benjamin heard that the sons of Israel came up to Matspaya, and the sons of Israel said: “Tell us how this evil happened”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpah.--And the children of Israel said: 'Tell us, how was this wickedness brought to pass?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Massepha: and the children of Israel came and said, Tell us, where did this wickedness take place?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/20-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=5948" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/20.htm">The Decree of the Assembly</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">(Meanwhile the Benjamites</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: ḇin·yā·min (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·mə·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ḇə·nê- (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ā·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">had gone up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4709.htm" title="4709: ham·miṣ·pāh (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The name of several places in Isr. Feminine of Mitspeh; Mitspah, the name of two places in Palestine.">to Mizpah.)</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">And the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bə·rū (V-Piel-Imp-mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">“Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/349.htm" title="349: ’ê·ḵāh (Interjection) -- How?. Also eykah; and teykakah; prolonged from 'ay; how? Or how!; also where.">us, how</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: haz·zōṯ (Art:: Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">did this</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā·‘āh (Art:: Adj-fs) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">wicked thing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: nih·yə·ṯāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">happen?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>So the Levite, the husband of the murdered woman, answered: “I and my concubine came to Gibeah in Benjamin to spend the night.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-30.htm">Genesis 34:30</a></span><br />Then Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have brought trouble upon me by making me a stench to the Canaanites and Perizzites, the people of this land. We are few in number; if they unite against me and attack me, I and my household will be destroyed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/22-12.htm">Joshua 22:12</a></span><br />And when they heard this, the whole congregation of Israel assembled at Shiloh to go to war against them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">1 Samuel 11:7</a></span><br />He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-4.htm">1 Samuel 15:4</a></span><br />So Saul summoned the troops and numbered them at Telaim—200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-47.htm">1 Samuel 17:47</a></span><br />And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-30.htm">1 Samuel 18:30</a></span><br />Every time the Philistine commanders came out for battle, David was more successful than all of Saul’s officers, so that his name was highly esteemed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-8.htm">1 Samuel 23:8</a></span><br />Then Saul summoned all his troops to go to war at Keilah and besiege David and his men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-25.htm">2 Samuel 2:25</a></span><br />The Benjamites rallied to Abner, formed a single unit, and took their stand atop a hill.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-17.htm">2 Samuel 10:17</a></span><br />When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/20-14.htm">2 Samuel 20:14</a></span><br />Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel-beth-maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">2 Kings 3:21</a></span><br />Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3</a></span><br />Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">(Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell us, how was this wickedness?</p><p class="hdg">the children of Benjamin</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/22-3.htm">Proverbs 22:3</a></b></br> A prudent <i>man</i> foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25</a></b></br> Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Luke 12:58,59</a></b></br> When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, <i>as thou art</i> in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison… </p><p class="hdg">how was</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/19-22.htm">Judges 19:22-27</a></b></br> <i>Now</i> as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, <i>and</i> beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-58.htm">Awful</a> <a href="/judges/19-14.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/19-16.htm">Benjaminites</a> <a href="/judges/19-16.htm">Benjamites</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/16-15.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/judges/19-23.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/judges/14-13.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/judges/18-25.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/judges/20-2.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Mizpeh</a> <a href="/judges/19-30.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/9-57.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/20-12.htm">Awful</a> <a href="/judges/20-4.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Benjaminites</a> <a href="/judges/20-13.htm">Benjamites</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ruth/3-11.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/judges/20-12.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ruth/2-8.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/ruth/1-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/judges/20-6.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/judges/21-1.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/judges/21-1.htm">Mizpeh</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/judges/20-6.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/judges/20-7.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-1.htm">The Levite in a general assembly declared his wrong</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-8.htm">The decree of the assembly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-12.htm">The Benjamites, being cited, make head against the Israelites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-18.htm">The Israelites in two battles lose forty thousand</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/20-26.htm">They destroy by a plan all the Benjamites, except six hundred.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Meanwhile the Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.</b><br>The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, was geographically located in a central region, making communication with other tribes relatively swift. Mizpah, a significant site in Israel's history, served as a gathering place for the tribes. It was a location associated with covenant renewal and judgment (<a href="/1_samuel/7-5.htm">1 Samuel 7:5-6</a>). The Benjamites' awareness of the assembly at Mizpah indicates the gravity of the situation, as tribal gatherings were not common unless addressing serious matters. This reflects the interconnectedness of the tribes and the importance of collective decision-making in ancient Israel.<p><b>And the Israelites asked,</b><br>The Israelites, representing the collective tribes excluding Benjamin, sought to address a grievous sin within their community. This inquiry reflects the judicial process in Israel, where matters of sin and justice were communal concerns. The assembly at Mizpah underscores the seriousness with which the Israelites approached issues of morality and justice, adhering to the covenantal laws given by God.<p><b>“Tell us, how did this wicked thing happen?”</b><br>The phrase "wicked thing" refers to the heinous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, where a Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered (Judges 19). This inquiry is not merely for information but a call for accountability and justice. The Israelites' demand for an explanation highlights the communal responsibility to uphold righteousness and the law. This reflects the biblical principle that sin affects the entire community, not just the individual, and must be addressed to maintain the covenant relationship with God. The call for justice here foreshadows the ultimate justice fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who addresses the sin of humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_benjamites.htm">The Benjamites</a></b><br>A tribe of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. In this context, they are involved in a grave sin that has caused a national crisis.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who have gathered to address the sin committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>A significant gathering place for the Israelites, often used for assemblies and important decisions. It is here that the Israelites convene to discuss the atrocity committed in Gibeah.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked_thing.htm">The Wicked Thing</a></b><br>Refers to the heinous crime committed in Gibeah, where a Levite's concubine was brutally abused and murdered, leading to national outrage.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to seek justice and understand the events that transpired in Gibeah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/communal_responsibility.htm">Communal Responsibility</a></b><br>The Israelites' gathering at Mizpah underscores the importance of addressing sin within the community. As believers, we are called to uphold righteousness and confront sin in our midst.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_justice.htm">Seeking Justice</a></b><br>The Israelites' inquiry into the "wicked thing" reflects a biblical mandate to seek justice. Christians are encouraged to pursue justice in their communities, reflecting God's character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a></b><br>The assembly at Mizpah demonstrates the need for godly leadership in addressing crises. Leaders in the church and community should be equipped to guide others in truth and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>The events leading to the assembly at Mizpah remind us of the destructive nature of sin. Believers are called to live holy lives, avoiding actions that lead to communal harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_in_action.htm">Unity in Action</a></b><br>The united response of the Israelite tribes highlights the power of collective action. The church today can learn from this unity in addressing societal issues and promoting righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_20__is_there_archeological_proof.htm">Judges 20 (entire chapter) - Is there any archeological evidence supporting so great a civil war among the tribes of Israel, or are the events purely literary?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promote_abduction_in_judges_21_20-23.htm">Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20-23)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_empower_ehud,_an_assassin.htm">Why does Judges 3:12-15 depict God empowering an assassin (Ehud) if murder is condemned elsewhere in scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_key_events_in_1_samuel.htm">What are the key events in 1 Samuel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Heard.</span>--Probably the Benjamites had received the same summons as the other tribes (see <a href="/judges/19-29.htm" title="And when he was come into his house, he took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel.">Judges 19:29</a>), but insolently refused to notice the summons.<p>Tell us.--Literally, <span class= "ital">Tell ye us. </span>The request is addressed to any who could give the necessary information.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The children of Benjamin heard</span>, etc. This seems to be mentioned to show that the absence of the Benjamites from the national council was not from ignorance, but from contumacy. Tell as, etc. This was addressed to all whom it might concern. The Levite answered. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/20-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">(Now the Benjamites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heard</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיִּשְׁמְעוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְנֵֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had gone up</span><br /><span class="heb">עָל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Mizpah.)</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמִּצְפָּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·miṣ·pāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4709.htm">Strong's 4709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the Israelites</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Tell</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבְּר֕וּ</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">us, how</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵיכָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_349.htm">Strong's 349: </a> </span><span class="str2">How?, how!, where</span><br /><br /><span class="word">did this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֹּֽאת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">wicked thing</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָעָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">happen?”</span><br /><span class="heb">נִהְיְתָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(nih·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/20-3.htm">Judges 20:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/20-3.htm">OT History: Judges 20:3 Now the children of Benjamin heard that (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 20:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>