Bible Discussion Thread

Ju.20. "As One Man" (1 of 2)

Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto theLordin Mizpeh".

Horror of the Levite dividing his concubine and sending to every tribe brought them as one man. Similar horrors were waiting to recall their sin. In the first revelation young Samuel had we read thus,"And theLordsaid to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle(1 Sa.3:11-13)". Then God goes on to say,"In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end". This refers to the house of Eli as well as Israel as stated here,"For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever (v.13a)" (Notice the expression 'forever" referring to his Son who is the judge.)

In that day refers to the Day of judgment and it is solely left to the Son. Thus in the key verse the congregation coming together over punishing the people of Gibeah is with reference to the Son. What they deliberated would come up to him. He is the beginning and the Ending(Re.1:8).

The expression 'as one man' is repeated. The congregation hears from the Levite and they vow to punish the guilty."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 (v.8)." We will not any of us go to his tent' until the crime has been thoroughly cleansed off the land. They arose as one man. But do they succeed? Without cleansing their own guilt and making peace with God going to Mispah shall prove fruitless.