Definition: 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:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Judges 20:13. It's a really important and complex verse that speaks about a serious situation in ancient Israel. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Situation: Belial & His Followers: The verse starts with the name “Belial,” who was a prominent, possibly troublesome, figure in the region of Gibeah. He was known for being a troublemaker and perhaps involved in some wrongdoing. The Men in Gibeah: It details that there were men living in Gibeah – a neighborhood near Jerusalem – who were under Belial’s control. The Command to Kill Them: The key part is the command to “deliver” these men. This means to kill them. Putting Them to Death: The purpose of this action is to remove evil from Israel. “Evil” in this context refers to something that’s causing trouble, wrongdoing, or potential harm. What it's Saying – A Bit More Detailed: This verse is a moment of intense judgment and action taken by the judges of Israel. Here’s what’s happening: A Problem with the Tribe of Benjamin: The verse specifically mentions “the children of Benjamin.” The tribe of Benjamin was historically known for being prone to conflict and sometimes, perhaps even, disobedience. Their Disobedience: The text says that "the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel." This means they were resisting or disobeying the leadership (the judges) of Israel. They were acting in ways that were causing trouble and potentially harming the people. The Goal: Justice & Protection: The command to kill these men is a response to this disobedience. It’s a way for the Israelites to punish those who are disrupting their peace and well-being. It's about protecting Israel from harm. Important Context – Why This Verse Matters: This passage is found in the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Judges. It comes before a significant event – the battles against the Amalekites. It’s often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of disobedience and rebellion within the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's leadership and the consequences of resisting divine authority. In short, it describes a situation where a group of men in Gibeah were being controlled by a troublesome figure and the judges ordered their killing as a way to protect Israel from further trouble. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other stories or events in the Bible? Discuss what it might mean symbolically for the Israelites at the time?