A horrific crime in Gibeah sends shockwaves through the nation, sparking a rare and powerful moment of national unity. Rather than returning to the comfort of their daily routines, the people make a firm, collective decision to halt everything and address the crisis immediately. Their absolute commitment is evident as they stand firmly in place, refusing to disperse [מצודת דוד]. They make a strict vow not to return to their homes until the matter is fully resolved and justice is served [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They are so resolute that they decide against making even a brief detour to their houses, choosing not to step away even to pack basic supplies for the impending conflict [מצודת ציון, מלבי״ם].
The mobilization of all the tribes acting as a single unit raises a natural question. Ordinarily, the tribe of Benjamin should have been left to deal with the criminals within their own territory. However, this nationwide intervention stems from several core issues [אברבנאל]. First, in the absence of a king or central judge, the general assembly of the people, alongside the high court, steps in to act as the central leadership. Second, unlike other nations where individual families only look out for themselves, the tribes of Israel are bound by mutual responsibility. Third, the sheer severity of the crime is a fatal blow to the sacred value of hospitality. If left untreated, the roads would become dangerous, making safe travel impossible. Furthermore, the depravity in Gibeah carries a dangerous resemblance to the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. The people understand that it is far better to execute human justice immediately than to wait for God to bring down a heavenly punishment that would wipe out the entire area [אברבנאל].
Despite this massive mobilization, the nation's goal is not to destroy the entire tribe of Benjamin. Their united front is specifically aimed at punishing only the actual criminals in Gibeah. This action is carried out as an emergency ruling by the court, designed to deter the public and establish a safeguard that will protect the moral fabric of the entire society [אברבנאל].