Judges 20:8
And 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 into his house.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
arose
H6965
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 14
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָעָ֔ם
And all the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
And all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
3 of 14
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אִ֥ישׁ
We will not any
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
We will not any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֵלֵךְ֙
H1980
נֵלֵךְ֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 14
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֥ישׁ
We will not any
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
We will not any
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
9 of 14
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְאָֽהֳל֔וֹ
to his tent
H168
לְאָֽהֳל֔וֹ
to his tent
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
10 of 14
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
11 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Judges 20:1Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.
Historical Context
The phrase 'as one man' appears seven times in Judges 20 (vv. 1, 8, 11), emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this tribal unity. Throughout the book, Israel's tribal confederation operated loosely, with each tribe maintaining autonomy. Only grave covenant violations—like this crime echoing Sodom's wickedness—could unite them so completely. However, this unity would exact a terrible price: nearly 40,000 Israelite casualties plus the near-extinction of Benjamin.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you find it easier to unite against enemies than to unite in sustained obedience to God?
- How does unanimous consensus sometimes substitute for genuine seeking of God's will?
- What distinguishes godly unity from mob solidarity driven by outrage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
All the people arose as one man (כְּאִישׁ אֶחָד, ke'ish echad, 'as one man')—a phrase emphasizing unprecedented unity. We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will we any of us turn into his house—the assembled tribes vow to remain mobilized until justice is achieved. The parallelism between 'tent' (אֹהֶל, ohel) and 'house' (בַּיִת, bayit) covers all domestic arrangements, emphasizing complete commitment.
Israel's instantaneous unity contrasts sharply with their typical tribal fragmentation throughout Judges. When Deborah needed help, several tribes refused (5:15-17). When Gideon fought Midian, Ephraim complained (8:1). Yet now, 400,000 warriors unite immediately for civil war against Benjamin. This reveals a disturbing truth: it's easier to unite against a common enemy than to unite for God. Outrage creates instant solidarity; sustained obedience requires continuous discipline. Israel's unity here, while appearing commendable, lacks the most crucial element—they haven't adequately sought God's wisdom. Unanimous consensus doesn't equal divine approval. Crowds can be unanimously wrong. The phrase 'as one man' will be repeated throughout chapter 20, but their unity in strategy doesn't compensate for their incomplete seeking of God's will.