2 The chiefs of all the people , even of all the tribes of Israel , took their stand in the assembly of the people of God , 400,000 e e foot soldiers who drew the sword .

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 20:2

Chapter Contents

The tribe of Benjamin nearly extirpated.

The Israelites' abhorrence of the crime committed at Gibeah, and their resolution to punish the criminals, were right; but they formed their resolves with too much haste and self-confidence. The eternal ruin of souls will be worse, and more fearful, than these desolations of a tribe.