The chief - literally, “the corner stones.” (Compare 1 Samuel 14:38.)

The chief. —The Hebrew word is pinnoth, “corner-stones,” as in 1 Samuel 14:38; Isaiah 19:13.

And the chief of all the people
The princes of the tribes and heads of families, rulers of thousands, and hundreds, …

The Israelites' abhorrence of the crime committed at Gibeah, and their resolution to punish the criminals, were right; but they formed their resolv…