Judges Chapter 21 — The Restoration of Benjamin
Israel seeks ways to provide wives for the surviving men of Benjamin to prevent the tribe from going extinct.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Judges 21:3
“They said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that there should be one tribe lacking in Israel today?””
This verse captures the grief and regret the Israelites felt after nearly destroying an entire tribe of their own people.
Judges 21:25
“In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.”
This famous closing statement summarizes the moral and social condition of Israel throughout the period of the judges.
Chapter Summary
Following the devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites realize that one of their tribes is on the verge of disappearing. Having sworn not to give their own daughters to Benjamin in marriage, they search for a solution. They discover that the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead did not participate in the assembly at Mizpah. In response, they attack Jabesh Gilead and bring four hundred young women to the Benjamites. Since this is still not enough, the elders suggest a plan for the remaining Benjamite men to take wives from the daughters of Shiloh during a yearly festival. The Benjamites follow this advice, rebuilding their cities and returning to their inheritance. The book of Judges concludes by noting that during this period, Israel had no king and every person acted according to their own judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although the Israelites had fought Benjamin because of their wickedness, they realized afterwards that the tribe was nearly extinct. They mourned because they did not want one of the twelve tribes of Israel to be completely blotted out from their nation.
Because they had sworn not to give their own daughters to Benjamin, they first took women from Jabesh Gilead, who had not joined the assembly. Later, they allowed the Benjamites to take wives from the daughters of Shiloh during a festival, framing it so the families were not technically giving their daughters.
The assembly of Israel sent twelve thousand soldiers to destroy the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead because they had not come to the common assembly at Mizpah. They spared four hundred young women to be given as wives to the surviving men of the tribe of Benjamin.
Study Note
The recurring phrase 'no king in Israel' serves as a literary bridge to the books of Samuel, highlighting the historical need for stable leadership and centralized authority.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.