The answer is: The men of Gibeah

Judges 20:4-5

In the gripping narrative of Judges, we encounter a series of events that highlight the tumult of Israelite society during a time without centralized leadership. The murder of the Levite's concubine by the men of Gibeah is a stark reminder of the moral decay occurring during this period—a time when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

As you dive into the aftermath, it’s fascinating to note just how far-reaching and catastrophic the repercussions become. After this heinous act, the Levite’s outrage sparked a civil war among the tribes of Israel, ultimately leading to the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, to whom Gibeah belonged. This turmoil illustrates how failures in justice reverberate far beyond individual events, affecting entire communities.

What’s arguably even more interesting is the deeper theme presented throughout Judges: the struggle between ethical living under divine chandeliers versus corruption and chaos when divine guidance falters. This theme dances again later in the storyline, functioning much like a choir of connected tales, where figures like Deborah and Gideon rise to lead victorious triumphs, contrasting with the brutal tale of Gibeah.

Gibeah means "hill" in Hebrew, hinting at the physical rise but moral fall of its inhabitants. The town becomes symbolic—a marker for not just tragedy, but a call for fortitude in moral resistance against the winds of apathy and barbarism. So, take a moment to reflect: How do we ensure our communities foster justice?