Judges 21:11

This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man."

Study Bible

This is what you are to do:
This directive comes from the leaders of Israel after the civil war with the tribe of Benjamin. It reflects the seriousness with which they approached the need to address the sin and moral decay that had led to the conflict. The phrase indicates a command that is not open to negotiation, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action.

Devote to destruction every male:
The term "devote to destruction" is a translation of the Hebrew word "herem," which means to completely destroy or consecrate something to God by destroying it. This concept is seen in other parts of the Old Testament, such as in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6:17). It reflects the idea of purging evil from among the people to maintain holiness and obedience to God's commands. The focus on males here is significant, as it was the men of Benjamin who had committed the grievous sin that led to the conflict.

As well as every female who has had relations with a man:
This part of the command extends the destruction to women who have been sexually active, likely to ensure that no remnant of the tribe's sinful practices remains. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, sexual purity was closely tied to covenant faithfulness. The inclusion of women in this directive underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment and the desire to prevent any continuation of the tribe's previous behavior. This reflects the broader biblical theme of purity and the need to remove sin from the community, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 13:12-18.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are seeking to address the issue of the tribe of Benjamin's near extinction after a civil war.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly wiped out due to a conflict with the other tribes over a grievous sin committed in Gibeah.

3. Jabesh-gilead
A city whose inhabitants did not join the assembly of Israel at Mizpah, leading to their being targeted for destruction.

4. Civil War
The internal conflict among the tribes of Israel, specifically between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes, resulting in significant loss of life.

5. Mizpah
The gathering place for the Israelites where they took an oath against giving their daughters to the Benjamites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 21 highlight the severe consequences of sin and disobedience, both on a personal and communal level. The Israelites' actions were a direct result of the moral decay that had permeated their society.

The Complexity of Justice
The passage challenges us to consider the complexity of justice in a fallen world. The Israelites sought to rectify a wrong but did so through further violence, raising questions about the means and ends of justice.

The Importance of Community and Unity
The near destruction of a tribe underscores the importance of unity and community among God's people. It serves as a warning against division and internal strife.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the grim circumstances, God's sovereignty is evident as He preserves a remnant of Benjamin, allowing for eventual restoration and reconciliation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command in Judges 21:11 reflect the broader theme of justice and judgment in the Old Testament, and what can we learn from it about God's character?

2. In what ways does the account of Jabesh-gilead and the tribe of Benjamin illustrate the consequences of failing to seek God's guidance before making decisions?

3. How can the events in Judges 21 inform our understanding of community and the importance of unity among believers today?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin and the concept of redemption found in the New Testament?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Judges 21 to address conflicts and divisions within our own communities or churches?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 20:16-18
Provides context for the command to completely destroy certain peoples, reflecting the concept of herem (devotion to destruction) in warfare.

1 Samuel 11
Describes a later event where the people of Jabesh-gilead are rescued by Saul, showing a redemptive arc for the city.

Judges 20
Offers background on the events leading up to the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin, providing context for the drastic measures taken in Judges 21.