Approximate 12th Century BC (Period of the Judges)
The Israelites were in a tribal confederation, often struggling with internal strife and external threats from surrounding nations.
There was no centralized government; each tribe operated independently, and leadership was often provided by judges raised by God during times of crisis.
The events occur in Gibeah, a city in the territory of Benjamin, and Mizpah, where the Israelites gathered to decide on action against Benjamin.
Hospitality was a significant cultural value, and the violation of this norm by the men of Gibeah was seen as a grave offense. The tribal system meant that justice was often handled within the tribe, leading to the conflict when Benjamin refused to surrender the guilty parties.
The Levite
His concubine's abuse and death sparked the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.
Tribe of Benjamin