Judges 21:20

So they commanded the Benjamites: "Go, hide in the vineyards

Study Bible

So they commanded
This phrase indicates a directive given with authority. The Hebrew root for "commanded" is צָוָה (tsavah), which implies an order or charge given with the expectation of obedience. In the context of Judges, this command comes from the leaders of Israel, who are seeking to resolve the crisis of the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. Historically, this reflects the period of the Judges, a time characterized by decentralized leadership and moral chaos, where such commands were necessary to maintain tribal unity and survival.

the Benjamites
The Benjamites were one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob. The tribe had been decimated due to a civil war sparked by a grievous sin committed in Gibeah, a Benjamite city. This historical context highlights the themes of sin, judgment, and redemption. The Benjamites' near destruction and subsequent restoration serve as a powerful reminder of God's mercy and the importance of repentance and reconciliation within the community of God's people.

Go and hide
The instruction to "go and hide" suggests a strategy of stealth and caution. The Hebrew word for "hide" is חָבָא (chabah), which means to conceal or withdraw from sight. This reflects the precarious situation of the Benjamites, who needed to act with wisdom and discretion to ensure their survival. Spiritually, this can be seen as a metaphor for seeking refuge and protection under God's guidance, emphasizing the need for divine wisdom in times of crisis.

in the vineyards
Vineyards in ancient Israel were places of agricultural significance, often associated with abundance and blessing. The choice of vineyards as a hiding place is strategic, providing natural cover and sustenance. Biblically, vineyards are also symbolic of God's provision and the fruitfulness of His promises. In this context, the vineyards represent a place of hope and potential restoration for the Benjamites, underscoring the theme of God's providence even in dire circumstances.

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. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who, after a conflict with the Benjamites, sought to find wives for the remaining men of Benjamin to preserve the tribe.

3. Vineyards
The location where the Benjamites were instructed to hide, playing a strategic role in the plan to find wives for them.

4. Civil War
The internal conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which led to the near destruction of Benjamin.

5. Shiloh
The place where the annual festival of the LORD was held, near which the Benjamites were to find wives.

Teaching Points

Restoration and Redemption
Despite the severe consequences of sin and conflict, God provides a way for restoration. The Benjamites' survival and eventual restoration remind us of God's grace and mercy.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites took responsibility for the survival of the Benjamites, teaching us the importance of caring for and restoring those who have fallen or are in need within our communities.

Strategic Obedience
The Benjamites' obedience to the command to hide in the vineyards demonstrates the importance of following God's guidance, even when it involves unconventional methods.

Consequences of Sin
The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of sin and the importance of seeking God's will to avoid such outcomes.

Unity and Reconciliation
The efforts to restore the tribe of Benjamin highlight the importance of unity and reconciliation among God's people, even after severe conflict.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the near destruction and subsequent restoration of the tribe of Benjamin teach us about God's grace and mercy?

2. How can we apply the principle of community responsibility in our own lives and churches today?

3. In what ways does the account of the Benjamites hiding in the vineyards illustrate the importance of strategic obedience to God's commands?

4. How can the consequences faced by the tribe of Benjamin serve as a warning for us in our personal and communal lives?

5. What steps can we take to promote unity and reconciliation within our own communities, especially after conflicts or disagreements?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:27
This verse describes Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's fierce nature and the events in Judges.

1 Samuel 9:21
Saul, the first king of Israel, was from the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the tribe's eventual restoration and significance.

Romans 11:1
Paul, an apostle, identifies himself as a Benjamite, showing the enduring legacy and redemption of the tribe.

Deuteronomy 12:5-7
The instructions for worship at the place the LORD chooses, which connects to the festival at Shiloh where the Benjamites were to find wives.

Judges 20:48
The preceding chapter details the destruction of Benjamin, setting the stage for the events in Judges 21.