Judges 21:16

Then the elders of the congregation said, "What should we do about wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?"

Study Bible

Then the elders of the congregation
The term "elders" refers to the leaders or senior figures within the Israelite community, often tasked with making important decisions. In Hebrew, the word for elders is "זְקֵנִים" (zeqenim), which implies wisdom and experience. Historically, elders played a crucial role in guiding the tribes of Israel, especially during times of crisis. Their involvement here underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for wise counsel.

said
The act of speaking or declaring, in this context, indicates a formal discussion or decision-making process. The Hebrew root "אָמַר" (amar) is often used in the Bible to denote authoritative speech. This highlights the seriousness of the deliberation among the elders as they seek a solution to a dire problem.

How can we provide wives
This phrase reveals the elders' concern for the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin. The Hebrew verb "נָתַן" (natan), meaning "to give" or "to provide," suggests an active role in ensuring the survival of the tribe. The provision of wives is not merely a logistical issue but a matter of preserving the covenant community of Israel.

for those who are left
The phrase "those who are left" refers to the surviving men of the tribe of Benjamin after a devastating civil war. The Hebrew word "שָׁאַר" (sha'ar) means "to remain" or "to be left over," emphasizing the remnant status of these men. This highlights the near extinction of a tribe and the urgent need for restoration and healing within the nation.

since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed
The destruction of the women of Benjamin is a tragic consequence of the conflict described earlier in the Book of Judges. The Hebrew word "שָׁחַת" (shachat) means "to destroy" or "to ruin," indicating the complete devastation faced by the tribe. This phrase underscores the severity of the situation and the need for reconciliation and rebuilding within the community of Israel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Elders of the Congregation
These are the leaders of the Israelite tribes who are responsible for making decisions and providing guidance to the people. They are seeking a solution to the problem of the Benjamite men who lack wives.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near extinction due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes. The tribe's survival is at stake due to the lack of women to marry the remaining men.

3. Civil War in Israel
A conflict that arose from a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, leading to a war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. This war resulted in the decimation of the Benjamite population.

4. Gibeah
The city in Benjamin where the initial crime occurred, sparking the conflict. It serves as a backdrop for the events leading to the crisis addressed in Judges 21:16.

5. Israelite Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelite tribes at Mizpah to address the crisis and seek a solution for the Benjamite men who survived the war.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of sin and disobedience to God's laws.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The elders' concern for the Benjamite men highlights the need for reconciliation and restoration within the community of God's people.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the dire situation, God's sovereignty and mercy are evident as He provides a way for the tribe of Benjamin to continue.

Community Responsibility
The elders' role in seeking a solution underscores the importance of community responsibility and leadership in addressing crises.

Hope and Restoration
Even in the darkest times, there is hope for restoration and a future, as seen in the eventual survival and continuation of the tribe of Benjamin.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the elders' approach to solving the crisis faced by the tribe of Benjamin?

2. How does the account of the tribe of Benjamin illustrate the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation?

3. In what ways does God's provision for the tribe of Benjamin reflect His mercy and faithfulness to His people?

4. How can we apply the principles of community responsibility and leadership in our own church or community settings?

5. What other biblical accounts of hope and restoration can we draw parallels to in our own lives, and how do they encourage us in times of crisis?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and the subsequent actions of her brothers, which also involved inter-tribal conflict and the need for reconciliation.

1 Samuel 11
The account of Saul, a Benjamite, who later becomes king of Israel, showing God's continued plan for the tribe of Benjamin despite their near destruction.

Romans 11:1-5
Paul's discussion of the remnant of Israel, which can be related to the remnant of Benjamin and God's faithfulness to His people.