Judges 21:17

They added, "There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out.

Study Bible

They added,
This phrase indicates a continuation of a previous discussion or decision. The context is the aftermath of a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. The leaders of Israel are deliberating on how to address the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. This reflects the communal decision-making process typical in ancient Israel, where leaders and elders would gather to resolve critical issues.

“There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin,
The concern for heirs underscores the importance of lineage and inheritance in ancient Israelite society. The preservation of family lines was crucial, as it was tied to land inheritance and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs. The tribe of Benjamin, being one of the twelve tribes of Israel, held a significant place in the covenant community. The leaders recognized the need to ensure the tribe's continuity, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His people.

so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out.
The potential loss of an entire tribe highlights the gravity of the situation. Each tribe represented a unique part of the nation of Israel, and the loss of one would mean a breach in the unity and completeness of the people of God. This concern for tribal preservation is consistent with the biblical emphasis on the unity and diversity within the body of Israel. Theologically, it points to the idea that every part of God's people is essential, a theme echoed in the New Testament's depiction of the Church as the body of Christ, where each member is vital to the whole.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are seeking a solution to preserve the tribe of Benjamin after a civil war.

2. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to a conflict with the other tribes.

3. The Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelites where they sought guidance and made decisions regarding the future of Benjamin.

4. The Civil War
A devastating conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, leading to Benjamin's near extinction.

5. The Inheritance
The focus of the verse, emphasizing the need to preserve the tribal inheritance and identity of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Community and Unity
The Israelites' concern for Benjamin highlights the value of each member within the community of faith. We are called to support and preserve unity within the body of Christ.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite human failure and conflict, God's plan for His people remains steadfast. We can trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives.

The Role of Inheritance in Identity
Just as the inheritance was crucial for Benjamin's identity, our spiritual inheritance in Christ defines who we are. We should live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God.

Restoration and Redemption
The account of Benjamin's near extinction and subsequent restoration is a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work. No situation is beyond His ability to restore and redeem.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concern for preserving the tribe of Benjamin reflect the broader biblical theme of community and unity among God's people?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of Benjamin, and how does this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in Judges 21:17 relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ, and how should this impact our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' approach to resolving the crisis with Benjamin that can be applied to conflicts within the church today?

5. How does the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin illustrate God's redemptive power, and how can we apply this understanding to situations in our own lives where we seek restoration?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49
Jacob's blessings to his sons, including Benjamin, highlight the importance of each tribe's unique role and inheritance in Israel.

Deuteronomy 25
The law concerning levirate marriage and preserving a family line connects to the concern for maintaining the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11
Paul's discussion on the remnant of Israel reflects the theme of preservation and God's faithfulness to His people.

1 Samuel 9
The anointing of Saul, a Benjamite, as king of Israel, underscores the significance of preserving the tribe for future leadership.