Judges 21:21

and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

Study Bible

and watch
The Hebrew root for "watch" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to keep, guard, or observe. In this context, it implies a vigilant and strategic observation. The Benjamites were instructed to be alert and ready for the moment of opportunity. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call for believers to be watchful and discerning, always ready to act according to God's timing and guidance.

When you see the daughters of Shiloh coming out to perform their dances
The phrase "daughters of Shiloh" refers to the young women from the town of Shiloh, a significant religious center in Israel at the time. Shiloh was where the Tabernacle was located, making it a place of worship and pilgrimage. The dances were likely part of a religious festival, possibly the Feast of Tabernacles, which included joyous celebrations. This highlights the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, where community and worship were intertwined. Theologically, it reminds us of the joy and celebration found in communal worship and the importance of cultural traditions in expressing faith.

rush out of the vineyards
The vineyards symbolize a place of growth, fruitfulness, and sustenance. In the Bible, vineyards often represent prosperity and blessing. The instruction to "rush out" suggests urgency and decisiveness. For the Benjamites, it was a moment to seize an opportunity for restoration and continuation of their tribe. Spiritually, it can be seen as a metaphor for leaving behind comfort zones to pursue God's promises and purposes with urgency and determination.

and each of you catch a wife for yourself from the daughters of Shiloh
The word "catch" here is translated from the Hebrew "חָטַף" (chataf), meaning to seize or snatch. This reflects the desperate situation of the Benjamites, who needed to find wives to ensure the survival of their tribe. Historically, this was a time of moral and social chaos in Israel, as described in the Book of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This phrase challenges us to consider the complexities of human actions and the consequences of living outside of God's ordained order.

and go to the land of Benjamin
The "land of Benjamin" refers to the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This instruction signifies a return to their inheritance and a restoration of their community. Theologically, it speaks to the theme of redemption and restoration, where God provides a way for His people to return to their rightful place and purpose. It encourages believers to trust in God's plan for restoration, even in the midst of difficult and seemingly impossible situations.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjaminites
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. Shiloh
A significant religious site in Israel where the tabernacle was located during this period.

3. Daughters of Shiloh
The young women who participated in a festival at Shiloh, during which the Benjaminites were instructed to find wives.

4. Israelite Assembly
The collective gathering of the other tribes of Israel who sought to find a solution for the survival of the tribe of Benjamin.

5. Festival of the LORD
A religious celebration where the daughters of Shiloh danced, providing an opportunity for the Benjaminites to take wives.

Teaching Points

Moral Decline and Consequences
The near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral and spiritual decline. It calls believers to uphold righteousness and seek God’s guidance in all aspects of life.

God’s Providence in Restoration
Despite the dire circumstances, God’s providence is evident in the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin. This teaches us that God can bring restoration and hope even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Community Responsibility
The collective action of the Israelite assembly to ensure the survival of the Benjaminites highlights the importance of community responsibility and support within the body of Christ.

Cultural Sensitivity and Obedience
The unconventional solution to the Benjaminites’ plight challenges us to consider cultural contexts and obedience to God’s commands, even when solutions are not straightforward.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Benjaminites in Judges 21:21 illustrate the consequences of Israel’s moral decline, and what lessons can we learn for our own spiritual walk?

2. In what ways does the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God’s providence, and how can we apply this understanding to situations in our own lives?

3. How does the collective responsibility shown by the Israelite assembly in Judges 21:21 inform our understanding of community and support within the church today?

4. What are some modern-day situations where cultural sensitivity and obedience to God’s commands might require creative solutions, similar to the Benjaminites’ situation?

5. How can the themes of redemption and restoration in Judges 21:21 be connected to the New Testament message of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The events in Judges 21:21 can be connected to the earlier chapters in Judges, particularly the civil war against Benjamin, which highlights the consequences of moral and spiritual decline in Israel.

The account of the Benjaminites finding wives at Shiloh can be compared to the account of Ruth, where God’s providence is seen in the provision of a spouse.

The theme of redemption and restoration is echoed in the New Testament, where God’s grace is extended to all tribes and nations through Christ.