Vv. 1-11 When the tribes of Israel see the evil that has been committed by the tribe of Benjamin, they all rise up together as one and look to bring forth justice for such a horrific incident. They ask for the details from the Levite whose concubine had been abused. He places all the blame squarely on the shoulders of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites vow that there will be justice for this evil. 

Vv. 12-18 The battle lines are drawn, and it will be nasty. On one side, Benjamin and Gibeah join forces, sending forth 26,700 well-trained men to battle. The remaining tribes of Israel bring forward 400,000. They surely are taking a stand against such evil and are looking to root it out. 

Vv. 19-23 On the first day of fighting, the tribe of Benjamin win the day. The Israelites desire that this single day of fighting be enough, but the Lord tells them to march against this evil a second day. 

• Removing your thoughts from the literal meaning of the narrative, what does this first day of battle represent in the battle between good and evil in our own lives and/or in the world? 

Vv. 24-28 The second day of battle goes the same way as the first. The army, instead of developing a battle plan to be more successful the next day, spends time in fasting and prayer before the Lord. They present offerings and cry out to the Lord for guidance. The Lord tells them they will find victory the third day. 

• In what ways should we mimic the response of the Israelites after a second day of losing the battle? Why is it that the way the Israelites respond more effective than the way people traditionally would respond in such situations?

Vv. 29-36 The Israelites devise a different plan on this day. They will go to battle with the tribe of Benjamin and allow the people to push them back away from the city. This will allow an ambush crew to swing around from behind. This is effective and the Israelites begin to win the battle. 

• How does this passage show that God often uses human knowledge and techniques to achieve his purposes?

Vv. 37-48 The chapter concludes with the outcome of the battle, proving that the ambush worked and the Israelites won handily. They struck down all the men and animals in sight and burnt their city to the ground. God had led Israel in rooting out this evil.