Judges 21:22

When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will tell them, 'Do us a favor by helping them, since we did not get wives for each of them in the war. Since you did not actually give them your daughters, you have no guilt.'"

Study Bible

When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain
This phrase reflects the patriarchal society of ancient Israel, where fathers and brothers held significant authority over family matters, including marriage. The context is the aftermath of the civil war between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin, where the other tribes had sworn not to give their daughters to Benjamites as wives (Judges 21:1). The leaders anticipated objections from the families of the women taken from Shiloh, highlighting the communal and familial nature of decision-making in Israelite culture.

we will tell them, ‘Do us a favor by helping them
The leaders of Israel are appealing to the families' sense of community and duty to assist in the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin. This reflects the importance of tribal unity and the collective responsibility to preserve the twelve tribes of Israel. The phrase suggests a pragmatic approach to resolving the crisis, emphasizing reconciliation and the survival of the tribe over strict adherence to previous oaths.

since we did not get wives for each of them in the war
This refers to the earlier conflict where the Israelites had vowed not to give their daughters to the Benjamites, leading to a shortage of wives for the surviving men of Benjamin. The war had decimated the tribe, and this shortage threatened its future. The leaders are acknowledging the need to rectify this situation to ensure the continuity of the tribe, which was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the nation of Israel.

Since you did not actually give them your daughters
This phrase is a legal and moral argument to absolve the families from breaking their oath. By not directly giving their daughters, the families could technically remain guiltless. This reflects the legalistic nature of ancient Israelite society, where adherence to vows and oaths was taken seriously, but there was also room for interpretation and flexibility in dire circumstances.

you have no guilt.’”
The leaders are providing a way for the families to maintain their honor and religious integrity while still contributing to the solution. This reflects the tension between law and grace, a theme that runs throughout the Bible. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of grace, where adherence to the law is balanced with mercy and compassion. The resolution of this crisis through a loophole in the vow highlights the importance of mercy and the preservation of the community over rigid legalism.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, nearly wiped out due to the conflict with the other Israelite tribes.

3. The Fathers and Brothers
The family members of the women taken as wives for the Benjamites, who might object to the arrangement.

4. Shiloh
The place where the Israelites gathered to seek the Lord's guidance and where the annual festival took place.

5. The Oath
The vow made by the Israelites not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, which complicates the resolution of the conflict.

Teaching Points

The Complexity of Human Solutions
Human solutions to problems can be complex and imperfect, as seen in the Israelites' attempt to resolve the issue with the Benjamites while adhering to their oath.

The Importance of Community Restoration
The Israelites' actions highlight the importance of restoring and maintaining community, even after severe conflict.

Balancing Justice and Mercy
The account illustrates the tension between justice (upholding the oath) and mercy (ensuring the survival of the Benjamites).

The Role of Leadership in Conflict Resolution
Effective leadership is crucial in navigating complex moral and ethical dilemmas, as demonstrated by the leaders of Israel.

The Consequences of Rash Vows
The account serves as a cautionary tale about making rash vows and the potential consequences that follow.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the resolution in Judges 21:22 reflect the Israelites' commitment to both justice and mercy?

2. In what ways does the account of the Benjamites challenge us to think about the importance of community restoration today?

3. How can we apply the lessons from the Israelites' leadership in resolving conflicts within our own communities or churches?

4. What are some modern-day examples of balancing justice and mercy, and how can we apply biblical principles to these situations?

5. How does the account in Judges 21:22 inform our understanding of the importance and consequences of making vows or promises?

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 near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
Discusses the importance of keeping vows made before God, highlighting the tension between the Israelites' oath and their need to preserve the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 12:18
Encourages living at peace with everyone, which relates to the Israelites' efforts to reconcile and restore the tribe of Benjamin.

Matthew 5:37
Jesus' teaching on letting your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' which underscores the importance of integrity in making and keeping promises.