Judges 21:14

And at that time the Benjamites returned and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough women for all of them.

Study Bible

So the Benjamites returned at that time
The phrase "the Benjamites returned" indicates a pivotal moment of reconciliation and restoration for the tribe of Benjamin. Historically, the tribe had been nearly annihilated due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in the preceding chapters. The Hebrew root for "returned" (שׁוּב, shuv) often conveys a sense of repentance or turning back, which can be seen as a metaphor for the tribe's restoration to the community of Israel. This return signifies not just a physical coming back, but a spiritual and communal reintegration, highlighting God's mercy and the importance of unity among His people.

and they were given the women of Jabesh-gilead who had been spared
The giving of "the women of Jabesh-gilead" reflects a complex and somber solution to the crisis of preserving the tribe of Benjamin. Jabesh-gilead, a city east of the Jordan River, had not participated in the assembly against Benjamin, leading to its own punishment and the sparing of its virgins. The historical context here is crucial; it underscores the severe measures taken to ensure the survival of a tribe within Israel, even at the cost of other communities. This act, while difficult to reconcile with modern sensibilities, demonstrates the lengths to which the Israelites went to maintain the twelve tribes, a number symbolizing completeness and divine order in biblical numerology.

But there were not enough women for all of them
This phrase highlights the insufficiency of human solutions to complex problems. Despite the drastic measures taken, the problem of providing wives for the Benjamites was not fully resolved. This insufficiency can be seen as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts without divine guidance. In the broader scriptural context, it points to the need for reliance on God’s wisdom and provision. The narrative invites reflection on the consequences of sin and the challenges of restoring what has been broken, emphasizing the need for divine intervention and grace in the restoration process.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near extinction due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes.

2. Jabesh-gilead
A city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, whose inhabitants did not join the assembly at Mizpah and were consequently attacked by the Israelites.

3. Civil War
A conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, sparked by a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin.

4. Assembly at Mizpah
A gathering of the Israelite tribes to address the crime in Gibeah, leading to the decision to go to war against Benjamin.

5. Women of Jabesh-gilead
The women spared from the destruction of Jabesh-gilead, given to the Benjamites to provide wives for the surviving men.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 21 highlight the destructive consequences of sin and the breakdown of societal order when God's laws are ignored.

Human Solutions to Spiritual Problems
The Israelites' attempt to solve the problem of the Benjamites' survival through human means, rather than seeking God's guidance, serves as a cautionary tale.

The Importance of Obedience
The failure of Jabesh-gilead to join the assembly at Mizpah resulted in severe consequences, underscoring the importance of obedience to communal and divine directives.

God's Mercy Amidst Judgment
Despite the chaos and judgment, there is a thread of mercy as the tribe of Benjamin is preserved, reflecting God's overarching plan and mercy.

Community Responsibility
The account illustrates the responsibility of the community to address sin and injustice, but also the need for wisdom and reliance on God in doing so.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Israelites' approach to solving the problem of the Benjamites' survival, and how might this apply to how we address conflicts today?

2. How does the account of Jabesh-gilead's destruction and the sparing of its women reflect the balance between justice and mercy in God's character?

3. In what ways does the civil war in Israel serve as a warning about the dangers of division and disobedience within the body of Christ?

4. How can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19, to situations of injustice we encounter in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How can seeking God's guidance, rather than relying solely on human wisdom, lead to better outcomes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and the subsequent actions of her brothers, which also involves a response to a grievous crime and the consequences of taking justice into one's own hands.

1 Samuel 11
Jabesh-gilead is later saved by Saul, the first king of Israel, showing the ongoing significance of this city in Israel's history.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' actions in Judges.