Definition: And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 20:12. It’s a really important piece of history and speaks about a serious problem within the Israelites. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Situation: Israel was having trouble: The Israelites were experiencing internal conflict and division. They weren’t working together well. They sent messengers: A group of leaders from the tribe of Benjamin (a specific group of people within Israel) decided to investigate what was happening within their own community. They asked a question: They wanted to understand why things were going wrong. They weren’t just looking for gossip; they wanted to know the root cause of the problem. What “wickedness” does it mean? The word "wickedness" here is a bit complex, but essentially it refers to serious sin and wrongdoing. It wasn't just a minor infraction; it was something that was deeply troubling and causing problems. It suggests something that was morally wrong, potentially damaging to the community, and perhaps even threatening their way of life. The implication: The verse is telling us that there was a significant problem within the tribe of Benjamin – likely involving something that was causing them to act in ways that were harmful to themselves and to each other. It’s a warning about potential trouble brewing within their group. In short, it's a call for investigation and understanding because there was a serious issue that needed to be addressed. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of types of wickedness that might have been happening? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible?