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Judges 20:9

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 20:9 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah: [we will go up] against it by lot;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah: [we will go up] against it by lot;
Judges 20:9 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.
7Behold, ye children of Israel, all of you, give here your advice and counsel.
8And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn unto his house.
9But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah: [we will go up] against it by lot;
10and we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and a hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victuals for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel.
11So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man.
12And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is come to pass among you?
← Judges 20:8Judges 20:10 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah, etc.] Where the fact was done; what follows was proposed by some, and unanimously agreed to by all: we will go up by lot against it; cast lots who shall go up to it and demand satisfaction for the offence committed; and if denied, to act in an hostile manner against it.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“By lot - To determine who should go up first Judges 20:18. The shape of the ground probably made it impossible for the whole force to operate at once; and the question of spoil would have something to do with the arrangement. (Compare 1 Samuel 30:22-25.) return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“by lot against it: Jos 14:2; Sa1 14:41, Sa1 14:42; Ch1 24:5; Neh 11:1; Pro 16:33; Jon 1:7; Act 1:26 Judges 20:10”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification