The account of the provision of wives for the Benjamites is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in chapters 19 through 21. This narrative occurs during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by social and moral chaos in Israel, as summarized by the repeated phrase, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Background

The account begins with a grievous incident involving a Levite and his concubine, which leads to her brutal death at the hands of men from the tribe of Benjamin in the town of Gibeah (Judges 19:22-28). In response, the other tribes of Israel unite against Benjamin, demanding justice. When the Benjamites refuse to surrender the perpetrators, a civil war ensues, resulting in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:12-48).

The Oath and Its Consequences

After the conflict, the Israelites are struck by the realization that one of their tribes is on the brink of extinction. They had previously sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, "None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage" (Judges 21:1). This oath complicates the situation, as the surviving Benjamite men have no means to secure wives and thus preserve their lineage.

Provision of Wives

To resolve this dilemma, the Israelites devise a two-part plan. First, they identify that no one from Jabesh-gilead had joined the assembly at Mizpah. They send an expedition to Jabesh-gilead, killing its inhabitants except for 400 young virgins, who are then given to the Benjamites (Judges 21:8-14).

However, this number is insufficient. Therefore, the elders of Israel instruct the Benjamites to go to Shiloh, where an annual festival of the LORD is held. They are told to hide in the vineyards and, when the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance, to seize them as wives (Judges 21:19-21). This act, though morally questionable, is seen as a pragmatic solution to ensure the survival of the tribe without directly breaking the oath.

Moral and Theological Considerations

The narrative of the wives for the Benjamites highlights the complexities and moral ambiguities present in the period of the Judges. It underscores the consequences of lawlessness and the absence of centralized leadership in Israel. The actions taken by the Israelites, while aimed at preserving a tribe, reflect the broader theme of human fallibility and the need for divine guidance.

Throughout the Book of Judges, the cyclical pattern of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance is evident. The account of the Benjamites serves as a reminder of the importance of covenant faithfulness and the dangers of deviating from God's commandments. It also foreshadows the eventual establishment of monarchy in Israel, which seeks to bring order and unity to the nation.