Judges 20:6 – “I took my concubine, cut her into pieces and sent one piece to each region of Israel’s inheritance, because they committed this lewd and outrageous act in Israel.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Levite explains his shocking response to the crime committed against his concubine in Gibeah. After witnessing her brutal death, he took the drastic action of cutting her body into pieces and sending them to the tribes of Israel. This gruesome act was meant to be a call to arms, a wake-up call to the entire nation about the severity of the sin that had been committed. The Levite’s actions served as a dramatic and visceral way to highlight the depravity of the crime and to rally Israel to seek justice against the men of Gibeah. It was a desperate measure to provoke outrage and demand a response from the entire community.
Historical Context
This event takes place during the time of the Judges, a period marked by chaos and lawlessness. The actions of the Levite reflect the deep moral decline within Israel, where there was no king, and everyone did what they thought was right. The crime in Gibeah was not just a personal offense but a communal outrage that threatened the moral fabric of the nation. The Levite’s decision to send pieces of his concubine throughout Israel was a symbolic act, meant to shock the tribes into recognizing the depth of their collective failure to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.
Theological Implications
This verse carries heavy theological implications about the need for communal accountability and the consequences of unchecked sin. The Levite’s actions, while extreme, underscore the urgency of addressing sin within the community of God’s people. It highlights that sin is not just an individual issue but one that can corrupt and destroy entire communities if not confronted. This account calls believers to recognize their responsibility to uphold God’s standards of justice and righteousness, both individually and corporately.
Literary Analysis
The verse employs vivid and disturbing imagery to emphasize the horror of the crime and the gravity of the situation. The act of dismembering the concubine’s body and distributing it across Israel is not just a historical detail but a powerful literary device that shocks the reader, mirroring the intended shock it caused in Israel. This graphic response underscores the severity of the sin and the urgency of the call to action. The words “lewd and outrageous act” highlight the moral outrage that the Levite sought to communicate, pushing the narrative towards a confrontation with the tribe of Benjamin.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Samuel 11:7: Saul uses a similar tactic by cutting up oxen and sending the pieces throughout Israel to summon the people to battle, showing that drastic actions were sometimes used to provoke a response.
- Judges 19:29-30: These verses describe the Levite’s actions in more detail, setting the stage for the events that unfold in Judges 20.
- Genesis 34:30-31: The account of Simeon and Levi’s response to the assault of their sister Dinah reflects a similar outrage at a grievous sin and the lengths to which people would go to defend their family’s honor.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Judges 20:6 serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing sin within the community. It challenges us to take seriously the moral state of our own lives and the lives of those around us. The extreme actions of the Levite, while shocking, serve as a wake-up call to not be complacent in the face of wrongdoing. Christians are called to stand against sin, uphold justice, and seek God’s guidance in dealing with difficult and painful situations, recognizing that our response to sin impacts the whole community.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse relates to a loving God by demonstrating that He does not ignore sin and injustice. God’s love is not passive; it is active and calls His people to confront evil head-on. The extreme nature of the Levite’s actions highlights the urgency of dealing with sin in a way that reflects God’s heart for justice and righteousness. God’s love includes a desire for His people to live in communities that honor Him, and that means taking bold steps to address sin and restore what is broken.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Judges 20:6 connects to Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer to the problem of sin and injustice. While the Levite’s actions were meant to provoke a response, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the true solution to the sin that plagues humanity. Jesus confronts sin not by shocking imagery but through the power of His sacrificial love (Romans 5:8). He offers a way of redemption and restoration, inviting all to turn away from sin and find healing in Him. Christ’s call to repent and believe the gospel echoes the urgency seen in this verse but directs it towards a path of forgiveness and transformation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge us to respond to sin and injustice in our own communities?
- What lessons can we learn from the Levite’s dramatic actions about the importance of confronting wrongdoing?
- How can we balance a call for justice with a spirit of love and grace, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ?