The answer is: The men of Gibeah

Judges 20:4-5

The heinous act that propelled the events leading to an all-out battle in Judges 20 is certainly alarming. The men of Gibeah, a city that once seemed to lay within the borders of Israel, demonstrated their ruthlessness in the most brutal fashion. The Levite's concubine, horrifically abused over the course of multiple nights, is a troubling reminder of the moral and social decay present during the time of the Judges.

What’s fascinating about this episode is how it’s not just a story of violence but also a call to collective responsibility. When the Levite cuts the body of his concubine into twelve pieces and sends them throughout Israel, it leads to an unprecedented congregation of the tribes—a push for justice that struck deep chords in Israel's social fabric. Each piece symbolizes the fractured nature of their society, reflecting how each tribe responded to the deep societal wounds inflicted.

Interestingly, this is one of the few times we see the Israelites acting as one in a time when they often did what seemed right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). Historically, the events here may echo themes of contemporary efforts for social justice and community accountability. Oftentimes, we find ancient narratives resonate within modern struggles against injustice. The plight of that concubine serves as an unsettling but vital reminder of the creation of moral awakening that sometimes pulls people together to stand against wrong. Isn’t it remarkable how stories from thousands of years ago can still illuminate today’s battles for equity and justice?