Judges 21:5

The Israelites asked, "Who among all the tribes of Israel did not come to the assembly before the LORD?" For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah would surely be put to death.

Study Bible

Then the Israelites asked
This phrase indicates a moment of collective inquiry and reflection among the Israelites. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) often implies seeking guidance or clarification, suggesting that the Israelites were earnestly seeking to understand their communal obligations and the consequences of their previous actions. Historically, this reflects a time of deep introspection for the nation, as they grappled with the aftermath of civil strife and sought to restore order and unity.

Who among all the tribes of Israel
This phrase underscores the unity and collective identity of the Israelite tribes. The term "tribes" (שֵׁבֶט, shevet) refers to the distinct familial and territorial divisions within Israel, each with its own leadership and responsibilities. The historical context here is crucial, as the tribes were expected to act in concert, especially in matters of national importance. This inquiry highlights the importance of communal participation and accountability in the covenant community.

failed to come up to the LORD with the assembly
The phrase "failed to come up" (עָלָה, alah) suggests a failure to ascend or approach, which in the context of ancient Israel, often meant failing to participate in a religious or communal gathering. "The LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing the sacred nature of the assembly. The "assembly" (קָהָל, qahal) refers to the gathering of the people for worship or decision-making. This highlights the expectation that all tribes would participate in significant religious and national events, reinforcing the idea of collective responsibility before God.

For they had taken a solemn oath
The "solemn oath" (שְׁבוּעָה, shevu'ah) indicates a binding promise or vow made before God, which carried significant weight in ancient Israelite society. Oaths were serious commitments that invoked divine witness and were not to be taken lightly. This reflects the gravity with which the Israelites approached their covenant obligations and the severe consequences of breaking such vows.

that anyone who failed to come up to the LORD at Mizpah
"Mizpah" (מִצְפָּה) was a significant location for Israelite gatherings, often associated with covenant renewal and military mustering. The historical and archaeological context of Mizpah suggests it was a central place for decision-making and worship. The emphasis on coming "up to the LORD" at this location underscores the importance of communal worship and obedience to divine commands.

would surely be put to death
This phrase reflects the severity of the consequences for failing to fulfill communal and covenantal obligations. The Hebrew construction here implies certainty and inevitability, underscoring the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed their commitments to God and each other. This harsh penalty highlights the critical nature of unity and obedience in maintaining the integrity and survival of the nation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel, who are seeking to address the consequences of their previous actions against the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Mizpah
A significant gathering place for the Israelites, often used for assemblies and important decisions. It is here that the Israelites had previously gathered to decide on actions against Benjamin.

3. The Oath
A solemn promise made by the Israelites, binding them to a course of action against any tribe that did not participate in the assembly at Mizpah.

4. The Tribe of Benjamin
The tribe that was nearly annihilated due to the civil conflict with the other tribes of Israel, which was initiated by the events in Gibeah.

5. The Assembly
The gathering of the tribes of Israel at Mizpah, where they made decisions regarding the tribe of Benjamin and took the oath mentioned in this verse.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Oaths
The Israelites' oath at Mizpah underscores the gravity of making promises before God. In our lives, we must be cautious and sincere when making commitments, especially those involving our faith and community.

Unity and Accountability
The assembly at Mizpah reflects the need for unity and accountability within the body of believers. We should strive to support and hold each other accountable in our spiritual walk.

Consequences of Rash Decisions
The oath taken by the Israelites had severe consequences, reminding us to consider the long-term effects of our decisions and actions.

The Role of Leadership
The leaders of Israel played a crucial role in guiding the people through this crisis. Effective leadership is vital in navigating challenges within the church and community.

Seeking God's Guidance
The Israelites sought the LORD's guidance at Mizpah. In our lives, we should prioritize seeking God's will in our decisions and actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Israelites' decision to make an oath at Mizpah, and how does this apply to the commitments we make today?

2. How does the gathering at Mizpah illustrate the importance of unity among believers, and what steps can we take to foster unity in our own communities?

3. In what ways can the consequences faced by the Israelites serve as a warning against making rash decisions? Can you think of a personal experience where a hasty decision led to unforeseen consequences?

4. How does the role of leadership in this passage inform our understanding of spiritual leadership in the church today?

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a difficult situation. How did that experience shape your faith and decision-making process?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 20
Provides context for the conflict with the tribe of Benjamin and the assembly at Mizpah, where the oath was made.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
Discusses the seriousness of making vows to the LORD, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling them.

1 Samuel 7:5-6
Another instance where Mizpah is used as a gathering place for Israel, highlighting its significance in Israelite history.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Warns about the seriousness of making vows and the importance of not delaying in fulfilling them.