Old Testament
Judges 20:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Hand over those worthless men in Gibeah so we can execute them and purge this evil from Israel." But the Benjaminites refused to listen to their fellow Israelites.
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Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel:
What Judges 20:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Israelites are demanding that the tribe of Benjamin hand over the men from Gibeah who committed a terrible crime. They refer to these men as 'worthless' or 'children of Belial,' indicating their wickedness. The Israelites believe that executing these men is necessary to remove the evil that has spread in Israel due to their actions. However, the Benjaminites refuse to comply with this request, showing a deep division among the tribes of Israel. This refusal sets the stage for a significant conflict, highlighting themes of justice, accountability, and the challenges of unity within the nation. The situation illustrates the struggle between upholding justice and the loyalty to one's own tribe, which complicates the resolution of the crisis.
How to apply Judges 20:13 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of confronting wrongdoing in our communities. It challenges us to seek justice while also navigating the complexities of relationships and loyalty. We must strive to hold each other accountable, even when it is difficult, to promote righteousness and unity.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 20:13
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 20:13 mean?
Judges 20:13 describes the Israelites demanding the tribe of Benjamin to hand over men from Gibeah who committed a grave crime. They view these men as wicked and believe executing them is necessary to eliminate evil from Israel, but the Benjaminites refuse, leading to conflict.
What is the significance of 'children of Belial' in Judges 20:13?
The term 'children of Belial' refers to individuals who are considered worthless or wicked. In Judges 20:13, it emphasizes the moral depravity of the men in Gibeah, highlighting the seriousness of their actions and the need for justice.
What themes are present in Judges 20:13?
Judges 20:13 presents themes of justice, accountability, and division among the tribes of Israel. It illustrates the struggle between enforcing justice and maintaining tribal loyalty, which complicates the resolution of the conflict.
Why did the Benjaminites refuse to hand over the men in Judges 20:13?
The Benjaminites refused to hand over the men from Gibeah due to loyalty to their tribe, despite the serious accusations against those men. This refusal highlights the deep divisions and conflicts within the Israelite community.
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