The Israelites, apart from Benjamin, mobilized 400,000 swordsmen, each one an experienced warrior.
Here is, I. The fair and just demand which the tribes of Israel, now encamped, sent to the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver up the malefactors of Gibeah to justice, Jdg 20:12, Jdg 20:13. If the tribe of Benjamin had come up, as they ought to have done, to the assembly, and agreed with them in their resolution, there would have been none to deal...
Commenting on Judges 20:12-17
And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin,.... Who did not join them in this affair, but opposed them: were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: see Jdg 20:9. all these were men of war; inured to it, skilful and courageous.
THEIR DECREE. (Jdg 20:8-17) all the people arose as one man--The extraordinary unanimity that prevailed shows, that notwithstanding great disorders had broken out in many parts, the people were sound at the core; and remembering their national covenant with God, they now felt the necessity of wiping out so foul a stain on their character as a people.
Commenting on Judges 20:8-17