Old Testament
Judges 20:10
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the leaders of Israel are organizing a plan to gather resources for their people.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
We'll select 10 men out of every 100 from all the tribes of Israel, 100 out of every 1,000, and 1,000 out of every 10,000 to gather supplies for the people. When they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, they will act according to all the folly that has been committed in Israel.
And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the leaders of Israel are organizing a plan to gather resources for their people. They decide to select a specific number of men from each tribe: 10 from every 100, 100 from every 1,000, and 1,000 from every 10,000. This systematic approach shows their intent to mobilize a significant effort to support the people. The context is serious, as they are preparing to confront the wrongdoing that has occurred in Gibeah, a city in the tribe of Benjamin. The mention of 'folly' indicates that they are addressing a grave moral failure within Israel, and the gathering of supplies is part of a larger strategy to rectify the situation and seek justice. This verse highlights the importance of organization and collective action in addressing communal issues, especially when facing serious moral challenges.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 20:10 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of collective effort in addressing community issues. Just as the Israelites organized to confront wrongdoing, we too should work together to support one another and address challenges in our communities. Effective leadership and planning are essential for achieving justice and making a positive impact.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 20:10 mean?
Judges 20:10 describes the leaders of Israel organizing a plan to gather resources by selecting men from each tribe. This systematic approach aims to mobilize support for confronting the wrongdoing that occurred in Gibeah, highlighting the need for collective action in addressing serious issues.
What is the significance of 'folly' in Judges 20:10?
The term 'folly' in Judges 20:10 refers to the grave moral failures that have taken place in Israel, particularly in Gibeah. It underscores the seriousness of the situation that the Israelites are addressing as they prepare to seek justice.
How does Judges 20:10 relate to community action?
Judges 20:10 illustrates the importance of community action by showing how the Israelites organized themselves to address a serious issue. It serves as a reminder that working together is essential for tackling challenges and achieving justice.
What leadership lessons can be learned from Judges 20:10?
Judges 20:10 teaches that effective leadership involves planning and mobilizing resources to address community issues. It highlights the need for leaders to organize their people and take decisive action in the face of moral failures.
The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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