Judges 21:14

And at that time the Benjamites returned and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough women for all of them.

Study Bible

And at that time the Benjamites returned
The Benjamites had been nearly annihilated due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes, as recounted in Judges 20. This return marks a pivotal moment of reconciliation and restoration for the tribe. The timing is significant, as it follows a period of mourning and repentance by the Israelites, who realized the near extinction of one of their tribes. This reflects the cyclical nature of sin and redemption seen throughout the Book of Judges.

and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead
Jabesh-gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gilead. The inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had not participated in the assembly against Benjamin, leading to their punishment and the sparing of 400 virgins to provide wives for the Benjamites. This act, while controversial, was seen as a necessary measure to preserve the tribe of Benjamin. It highlights the complex interplay of justice and mercy in the Old Testament, as well as the communal responsibility of the Israelite tribes.

But there were not enough women for all of them
Despite the provision of women from Jabesh-gilead, the number was insufficient to ensure the survival of the entire tribe of Benjamin. This shortfall underscores the severity of the conflict and the desperate measures taken to rectify the situation. It also foreshadows the continued struggles and moral complexities faced by the Israelites, as they sought to maintain unity and identity in the Promised Land. This situation can be seen as a reflection of the broader theme of human insufficiency and the need for divine intervention, a theme that runs throughout the Bible and points to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.

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. Jabesh-gilead
A city in Gilead, east of the Jordan River, whose inhabitants did not join the assembly at Mizpah and were consequently attacked by the Israelites.

3. Civil War
A conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, sparked by a grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin.

4. Assembly at Mizpah
A gathering of the Israelite tribes to address the crime in Gibeah, leading to the decision to go to war against Benjamin.

5. Women of Jabesh-gilead
The women spared from the destruction of Jabesh-gilead, given to the Benjamites to provide wives for the surviving men.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 21 highlight the destructive consequences of sin and the breakdown of societal order when God's laws are ignored.

Human Solutions to Spiritual Problems
The Israelites' attempt to solve the problem of the Benjamites' survival through human means, rather than seeking God's guidance, serves as a cautionary tale.

The Importance of Obedience
The failure of Jabesh-gilead to join the assembly at Mizpah resulted in severe consequences, underscoring the importance of obedience to communal and divine directives.

God's Mercy Amidst Judgment
Despite the chaos and judgment, there is a thread of mercy as the tribe of Benjamin is preserved, reflecting God's overarching plan and mercy.

Community Responsibility
The account illustrates the responsibility of the community to address sin and injustice, but also the need for wisdom and reliance on God in doing so.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Israelites' approach to solving the problem of the Benjamites' survival, and how might this apply to how we address conflicts today?

2. How does the account of Jabesh-gilead's destruction and the sparing of its women reflect the balance between justice and mercy in God's character?

3. In what ways does the civil war in Israel serve as a warning about the dangers of division and disobedience within the body of Christ?

4. How can we apply the principle of leaving vengeance to God, as seen in Romans 12:19, to situations of injustice we encounter in our lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How can seeking God's guidance, rather than relying solely on human wisdom, lead to better outcomes?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and the subsequent actions of her brothers, which also involves a response to a grievous crime and the consequences of taking justice into one's own hands.

1 Samuel 11
Jabesh-gilead is later saved by Saul, the first king of Israel, showing the ongoing significance of this city in Israel's history.

Romans 12:19
This verse speaks to the principle of leaving vengeance to God, contrasting with the Israelites' actions in Judges.