2 The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel-400,000 warriors armed with swords-took their positions in the assembly of the people of God.

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.