Judges 20:10 — English CSB 2017 - Christian Standard Bible
we will take ten men out of every hundred from all the tribes of Israel, and one hundred out of every thousand, and one thousand out of every ten thousand to get provisions for the troops when they go to Gibeah in Benjamin to punish them for all the outrage they committed in Israel.”
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, the Israelites are planning their response to the terrible events in Gibeah. They decide to send a small group to gather food and supplies for a larger group that will go to confront the people of Benjamin. The goal is to deal with the evil that has been done.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friends are planning a big trip to confront some bullies who did something very bad. You decide to send a few friends to get snacks for everyone, so when you all arrive, you can handle the situation properly. This is what the Israelites are doing, but it's much more serious.
Historical Background
The Book of Judges was written around the 6th century BCE by various authors, possibly including Samuel. It was written for the Israelites to recall their history and to understand the consequences of not following God's commands. This verse describes the Israelites' military strategy during a period of civil strife.
Living It Out Today
In modern terms, this verse can be applied to organizing a community response to a crisis. For example, if a neighborhood faces an environmental disaster, a small group can be tasked with gathering supplies and coordinating efforts to ensure that the larger community can respond effectively and justly.
Topics
justicecommunityleadershipstrategyresponse to evil
The Israelites needed food and supplies to sustain their large group as they prepared to confront the people of Benjamin, ensuring they could respond effectively and maintain their strength.
What kind of 'folly' are they referring to?
The 'folly' refers to the extreme and heinous acts committed by the men of Gibeah, which included the rape and murder of a woman, prompting a serious response from the Israelites.
How does this relate to leadership?
This verse demonstrates the importance of organized leadership in responding to crises. The Israelites planned strategically, showing how leadership can coordinate efforts to address serious issues.
Can this verse be applied to contemporary situations?
Yes, the principles of organization, leadership, and community response in this verse can be applied to modern scenarios where communities must unite to address serious issues or crises.
