The tribes of Israel sent men throughout the whole tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What is this evil that has been committed among you?
If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And behold, if it be true and certain that such an abomination has been among you,
When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.
So all the men of Israel gathered at the city, united like one man.
Now hand over the wicked men in Gibeah, so that we can kill them and purge the evil from Israel.” Yet the Benjamites were not willing to listen to their fellow Israelites.
(The Benjamites heard that the Israelites had gone up to Mizpah.) The Israelites said, “Tell how this evil happened!”