Judges 21:19

"But look," they said, "there is a yearly feast to the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah."

Study Bible

But look,
This phrase indicates a call to attention or a suggestion to consider something important. It reflects the urgency and significance of the message being conveyed to the Israelites, who were seeking a solution to the problem of providing wives for the Benjamites.

they said,
The speakers are the leaders or elders of the Israelite tribes, who are deliberating on how to address the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin after the civil war described in the preceding chapters. Their collective decision-making reflects the communal nature of leadership in ancient Israel.

there is a yearly feast to the LORD
This refers to one of the three major pilgrimage festivals commanded in the Torah, likely the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), Passover, or the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot). These feasts were times of communal gathering, worship, and celebration, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

in Shiloh,
Shiloh was an important religious center in Israel during the period of the Judges. It housed the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious capital. Archaeological evidence supports Shiloh's significance, with remains indicating a long period of occupation and religious activity.

which is north of Bethel
Bethel was a significant city in Israel's history, associated with patriarchal narratives such as Jacob's dream (Genesis 28:10-19). Its mention here helps to geographically locate Shiloh for the audience, indicating its proximity to other well-known sites.

east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem,
This description provides a clear geographical marker, as roads were crucial for travel and trade. Shechem was another significant city, associated with Abraham and Jacob, and later a center of political and religious activity. The road's mention highlights the interconnectedness of these key locations in Israel's history.

and south of Lebonah.
Lebonah is less prominent in biblical narratives, but its mention here serves to further pinpoint Shiloh's location. The detailed geographical description underscores the importance of Shiloh as a central and accessible place for the Israelites to gather for worship and decision-making.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shiloh
A significant religious center in ancient Israel where the Tabernacle was located. It was a place of worship and pilgrimage for the Israelites.

2. Bethel
A town in the land of Canaan, meaning "House of God." It was an important site for worship and had historical significance for the patriarchs.

3. Shechem
An ancient city of great importance in Israel's history, often associated with covenants and significant events.

4. Lebonah
A lesser-known location mentioned in the context of the geographical description of Shiloh.

5. The Annual Feast of the LORD
A religious festival that brought the Israelites together for worship and celebration, emphasizing community and devotion to God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Worship Centers
Shiloh, as a central place of worship, reminds us of the importance of having dedicated spaces for communal worship and spiritual growth.

Geographical Significance in Scripture
The detailed description of locations in Judges 21:19 highlights the importance of understanding the historical and geographical context of biblical events.

Community and Celebration
The annual feast at Shiloh emphasizes the value of community gatherings in worship and the celebration of God's faithfulness.

Covenant and Commitment
The connection to Shechem and Bethel reminds us of the importance of renewing our commitment to God and remembering His promises.

Navigating Difficult Times
The context of Judges 21, where Israel seeks solutions after a civil conflict, teaches us about seeking God's guidance in times of national and personal crisis.

Bible Study Questions

1. What role did Shiloh play in the spiritual life of ancient Israel, and how can we apply the concept of a central place of worship in our lives today?

2. How does the geographical description in Judges 21:19 enhance our understanding of the historical context of the events described?

3. In what ways can community celebrations, like the annual feast at Shiloh, strengthen our faith and relationships within the church?

4. How do the events at Bethel and Shechem in other parts of the Bible inform our understanding of God's promises and our commitments to Him?

5. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' approach to resolving conflict and seeking God's guidance in Judges 21, and how can we apply these lessons in our personal and communal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 1-3
These chapters describe the significance of Shiloh as the location where Hannah prayed for a son, and where Samuel was dedicated to the Lord, highlighting Shiloh's role as a spiritual center.

Genesis 28:10-22
This passage recounts Jacob's dream at Bethel, establishing it as a place of divine encounter and promise.

Joshua 24:1-28
Shechem is the site where Joshua renews the covenant with Israel, underscoring its importance as a place of commitment to God.