Judges 21:6

And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, "Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.

Study Bible

And the Israelites grieved
The Hebrew root for "grieved" is "nacham," which conveys a deep sense of sorrow and compassion. This word often implies a change of heart or repentance. The Israelites' grief here is not just emotional but also spiritual, as they recognize the gravity of their actions against their fellow Israelites, the Benjamites. This moment of grief is a turning point, highlighting the importance of unity and reconciliation within the community of God's people.

for their brothers, the Benjamites
The term "brothers" underscores the familial bond among the tribes of Israel. Despite the conflict and the severe punishment meted out to the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites still see them as kin. This reflects the biblical principle of brotherhood and unity among God's people, emphasizing that even in times of strife, the bonds of family and faith should lead to forgiveness and restoration.

and said, 'Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.'
The phrase "cut off" comes from the Hebrew "karath," which means to sever or destroy. This expression conveys the seriousness of the situation, as the tribe of Benjamin faces the threat of extinction. Historically, the loss of a tribe would have been catastrophic for the nation of Israel, both in terms of military strength and cultural identity. The Israelites' lamentation here is a recognition of the consequences of their actions and a call to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation as ordained by God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are mourning the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin due to a civil war sparked by a grievous sin in Gibeah.

2. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, which faced near annihilation by the other Israelite tribes as a consequence of the events in Gibeah and the subsequent war.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a horrific crime occurred, leading to the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

4. Civil War
The internal conflict among the tribes of Israel, resulting in the decimation of the tribe of Benjamin.

5. Mizpah
The place where the Israelites gathered to decide the fate of the Benjamites and where they had previously taken an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events leading to the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of communal responsibility in addressing sin within the community.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The grief of the Israelites over the loss of a tribe highlights the need for reconciliation and restoration within the body of believers, even after severe conflict.

God's Faithfulness and Redemption
Despite the dire situation, God's overarching plan includes redemption and restoration, as seen in the eventual survival and continuation of the tribe of Benjamin.

The Danger of Rash Vows
The Israelites' oath not to give their daughters to the Benjamites demonstrates the potential consequences of making hasty promises without seeking God's guidance.

Unity in Diversity
The near loss of a tribe underscores the importance of unity among God's people, valuing each member and recognizing the unique contributions of each tribe or group.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin, and how can we apply these lessons to conflicts within our own communities?

2. How does the account of the Benjamites in Judges 21 relate to the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration?

3. In what ways can the consequences of the Israelites' rash vow serve as a warning for us today in making commitments or promises?

4. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when dealing with sin and conflict within the church?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation after a conflict. How did it impact your understanding of unity and diversity within the body of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:27
This verse describes Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's aggressive and tumultuous history, including the events in Judges.

Romans 11:1-2
Paul, a Benjamite, speaks of God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting that God has not rejected His people, which can be seen as a parallel to the eventual restoration of the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 9:21
Saul, the first king of Israel, comes from the tribe of Benjamin, showing God's continued purpose and redemption for the tribe despite its earlier near destruction.