Judges 21:18

But we cannot give them our daughters as wives." For the Israelites had sworn, "Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite."

Study Bible

But we cannot give them our daughters as wives.
This phrase reflects the dilemma faced by the Israelites after the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters to the Benjamites as wives, which was a significant oath in the context of ancient Israelite culture. Oaths were considered binding and sacred, often invoking God's name, and breaking them could bring divine judgment. This reflects the seriousness with which vows were taken, as seen in other parts of Scripture, such as Jephthah's vow in Judges 11. The cultural context of marriage in ancient Israel was also significant, as marriages were often arranged and involved family alliances.

For the Israelites had sworn,
The act of swearing an oath was a solemn commitment before God, often made in a public or communal setting. In the historical context of the Israelites, such oaths were not taken lightly, as they were believed to be binding before God. This reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where decisions and vows were often made collectively. The Israelites' oath here is reminiscent of other collective oaths in the Bible, such as the covenant renewal ceremonies in Joshua 24. The seriousness of oaths is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches about the importance of keeping one's word (Matthew 5:33-37).

“Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite.”
This curse highlights the severity of the Israelites' response to the sin of the Benjamites, which had led to the near destruction of the tribe. Curses in the biblical context were powerful pronouncements that invoked divine judgment or misfortune upon those who violated certain conditions. The use of a curse here underscores the gravity of the situation and the Israelites' desire to distance themselves from the Benjamites' actions. This reflects the broader biblical theme of blessings and curses, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where obedience to God brings blessings, and disobedience brings curses. The curse also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for repentance and reconciliation, themes that are central to the message of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, which was nearly annihilated in a civil conflict with the other Israelite tribes.

3. Mizpah
The place where the Israelites gathered to discuss the situation and make decisions regarding the tribe of Benjamin.

4. Oath
A solemn promise made by the Israelites not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, which complicates the restoration of the tribe.

5. Civil War
The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, leading to the near extinction of the Benjamites.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Oaths
Oaths are serious commitments before God and should not be made lightly. The Israelites' oath had significant consequences, demonstrating the importance of considering the implications before making such promises.

Reconciliation and Restoration
Despite the conflict, the Israelites sought ways to restore the tribe of Benjamin. This reflects God's desire for reconciliation and restoration among His people.

Consequences of Rash Decisions
The Israelites' hasty oath led to unintended difficulties. This teaches us to seek God's wisdom and guidance before making decisions, especially those with long-term effects.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites took collective responsibility for the survival of the Benjamites, highlighting the importance of community support and unity in addressing challenges.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Even in the midst of human error and conflict, God's sovereign plan is at work. The preservation of the tribe of Benjamin is a testament to His faithfulness and mercy.

Bible Study Questions

1. What were the consequences of the Israelites' oath, and how did it affect their relationship with the tribe of Benjamin?

2. How does the account of the Israelites and the Benjamites illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance before making decisions?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of reconciliation and restoration in our own relationships and communities?

4. How does the concept of community responsibility in this passage challenge us to support and care for one another in our faith communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you made a decision without fully considering its consequences. How can you apply the lessons from Judges 21:18 to future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 20
Provides context for the civil war between the Israelites and the Benjamites, explaining the events leading up to the oath.

Numbers 30:2
Discusses the seriousness of making vows to the Lord, emphasizing the binding nature of oaths.

1 Samuel 14:24-28
Illustrates the consequences of rash oaths, as seen in Saul's command that nearly led to his son Jonathan's death.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about the importance of integrity in speech, advising against making oaths.

Romans 12:18
Encourages living at peace with everyone, which can be related to the Israelites' struggle to reconcile with the Benjamites.