Judges 21:21

and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

Study Bible

and watch.
This instruction implies a sense of anticipation and readiness. The men of Benjamin were to be vigilant, indicating the seriousness of their mission. In biblical narratives, watching often signifies spiritual alertness and preparedness, as seen in Jesus' exhortation to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41).

When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances,
Shiloh was a significant religious center in Israel, where the Tabernacle was located (Joshua 18:1). The daughters of Shiloh participating in dances suggests a cultural or religious festival, possibly linked to the Feast of the Lord. Such dances were common in ancient Israelite celebrations, reflecting joy and community participation, similar to Miriam's dance in Exodus 15:20.

each of you is to come out of the vineyards,
The vineyards provide a strategic hiding place, indicating the clandestine nature of the Benjaminites' actions. Vineyards were common in the region and often used symbolically in Scripture to represent Israel (Isaiah 5:1-7). The use of vineyards here underscores the blend of everyday life with the unfolding divine narrative.

catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh,
This directive reflects the desperate situation of the Benjaminites, who needed wives to preserve their tribe after the civil war (Judges 20). The act of "catching" a wife, while culturally shocking today, must be understood in the context of ancient customs and the dire circumstances. It echoes the patriarchal practices of arranged marriages and the importance of tribal continuity.

and go to the land of Benjamin.
Returning to their land signifies a restoration of the tribe of Benjamin, which had been nearly annihilated. This movement back to their territory is a step towards healing and rebuilding. The land of Benjamin, located between Judah and Ephraim, held strategic importance and was part of the promised inheritance to the tribes of Israel (Joshua 18:11-28). This return can be seen as a foreshadowing of redemption and restoration themes prevalent throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate restoration through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjaminites
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. Shiloh
A significant religious site in Israel where the tabernacle was located during this period.

3. Daughters of Shiloh
The young women who participated in a festival at Shiloh, during which the Benjaminites were instructed to find wives.

4. Israelite Assembly
The collective gathering of the other tribes of Israel who sought to find a solution for the survival of the tribe of Benjamin.

5. Festival of the LORD
A religious celebration where the daughters of Shiloh danced, providing an opportunity for the Benjaminites to take wives.

Teaching Points

Moral Decline and Consequences
The near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral and spiritual decline. It calls believers to uphold righteousness and seek God’s guidance in all aspects of life.

God’s Providence in Restoration
Despite the dire circumstances, God’s providence is evident in the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin. This teaches us that God can bring restoration and hope even in seemingly hopeless situations.

Community Responsibility
The collective action of the Israelite assembly to ensure the survival of the Benjaminites highlights the importance of community responsibility and support within the body of Christ.

Cultural Sensitivity and Obedience
The unconventional solution to the Benjaminites’ plight challenges us to consider cultural contexts and obedience to God’s commands, even when solutions are not straightforward.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Benjaminites in Judges 21:21 illustrate the consequences of Israel’s moral decline, and what lessons can we learn for our own spiritual walk?

2. In what ways does the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God’s providence, and how can we apply this understanding to situations in our own lives?

3. How does the collective responsibility shown by the Israelite assembly in Judges 21:21 inform our understanding of community and support within the church today?

4. What are some modern-day situations where cultural sensitivity and obedience to God’s commands might require creative solutions, similar to the Benjaminites’ situation?

5. How can the themes of redemption and restoration in Judges 21:21 be connected to the New Testament message of salvation through Jesus Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The events in Judges 21:21 can be connected to the earlier chapters in Judges, particularly the civil war against Benjamin, which highlights the consequences of moral and spiritual decline in Israel.

The account of the Benjaminites finding wives at Shiloh can be compared to the account of Ruth, where God’s providence is seen in the provision of a spouse.

The theme of redemption and restoration is echoed in the New Testament, where God’s grace is extended to all tribes and nations through Christ.