Judges 21
Meaning of Judges 21
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter continues the narrative about the Tribe of Benjamin.
The chapter begins with the Israelites’ repentance and sorrow over the near-elimination of the Tribe of Benjamin after a punishing war due to their protection of the men of Gibeah (whose inhabitants had committed a horrific crime in Judges 19).
The Israelites had sworn an oath not to give their daughters to the remaining men of Benjamin as wives. Aware that an entire tribe of Israel could disappear if they didn’t find a way to provide wives for the surviving Benjaminite men, the Israelites contrived a plan to solve this problem without directly breaking their oath. They decided to attack Jabesh Gilead, a city among them that didn’t join in the battle against Benjamin, and captured the virgins to give to the men of Benjamin.
Still short of wives for the Benjaminites, the elders suggested that during the annual festival at Shiloh, the men from Benjamin should hide in the vineyards and snatch a wife among the girls who come out to dance. Thus the men of Benjamin did as suggested, and the kidnapped girls became their wives.
Despite this seemingly harsh solution, the narrative ends with a note of the lawlessness of the era – “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit”.
In summary, Judges 21 deals with the aftermath of civil war among the tribes of Israel and their efforts to prevent the extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. This chapter, like the rest of the book, emphasizes the moral and social chaos that can ensue when there’s no central authority to guide and direct the people. It’s a testament to the power of leadership and the importance of unity in maintaining societal order.
Judges 21 kjv
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the book of Judges in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. It continues the story of the Israelites after a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin due to the horrific crime committed against a Levite’s concubine.
Here’s an explanation of the chapter:
1. The Israelites had sworn an oath at Mizpah saying that none of them would give their daughters to the Benjaminites as wives. After the war and faced with the near extermination of the Benjaminites, they grieved for their kinsmen.
2. They then built an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.
3. Concerned about the oath they had sworn that could potentially lead to one of their tribes dying out, they tried to find a way to find wives for the remaining Benjaminites without directly breaking their oath.
4. They realised that no representatives from Jabesh Gilead were present when they made the vow at Mizpeh. They decided to punish this city for their absence by killing all inhabitants except virgin girls. These girls were given as wives to the surviving Benjaminites.
5. To provide wives for the remaining Benjaminites, they suggested the Benjaminites could carry off the girls of Shiloh during an annual festival.
6. This chapter shows the depth of the moral and social disintegration of Israel. The people were making their own rules and had forgotten about the laws of Moses and about God amongst themselves.
7. The book ends with this poignant line: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” This reflects the chaos and moral relativism that dominated their lives during this period, and hence the necessity for God to provide a king.
Remember, the interpretation of biblical passages can vary among different Christian denominations or theological perspectives.
Judges 21 nkjv
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible. This chapter narrates the regret the Israelites feel about nearly annihilating the tribe of Benjamin, and their efforts to ensure the tribe’s survival. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Verses 1-2: The Israelites had taken an oath in Mizpah that none of them would give their daughters as wives to the Benjaminites as a repercussion for the horrific crime committed by men of the tribe of Benjamin.
2. Verses 3-7: After the violence and warfare ceased, the Israelites feel regret for having almost obliterated an entire tribe from Israel.
3. Verses 8-14: They find a solution for the survival of the tribe by killing the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, an Israelite city that had not sent men to the assembly at Mizpah. They spare 400 virgin women and give them as wives to the surviving Benjaminites. However, there were not enough women for all the men.
4. Verses 15-24: The Israelites then devise a plan to allow the remaining men of Benjamin to abduct the daughters of Shiloh during an annual feast, as they dance in the vineyards. This would help the tribe rebuild without directly breaking their oath, since the women were not given but taken.
5. Verse 25: The book of Judges ends with this commandment reminding everyone that in those days there was no king in Israel, and everybody did what seemed right in their own eyes.
This chapter raises profound moral and ethical questions. It’s important to remember that the passages reflect historical contexts and cultural norms different from today’s values and moral standards. It’s always suggested to approach the study of ancient texts like the Bible with an open mind, ideally under guidance of a knowledgeable, engaged spiritual mentor or academic expert on the matter.
Judges 21 niv
Judges 21 is the final chapter in the Book of Judges in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. It continues the narrative about the tribe of Benjamin and the consequences they face due to their evil deeds, specifically their assault on a Levite’s concubine, as described in Chapter 19.
At the start of Chapter 21, the Israelites had made an oath at Mizpah not to give their daughters in marriage to anyone from the tribe of Benjamin. They soon regret this because it could lead to the extinction of an entire tribe of Israel. To find a solution without breaking their oath, the Israelites decide to provide wives for the remaining Benjamite men from the towns that did not come to Mizpah.
They start by attacking the town of Jabesh Gilead, because they didn’t help in the confrontation with Benjamin. The Israelites kill all inhabitants but save 400 young virgin women. However, there are still not enough women for the remainder of the Benjamite men.
Therefore, the Israelites suggest that the Benjamites hide in the vineyards outside the town of Shiloh during an annual festival there, and seize the young women who come out to dance. This way, they aren’t technically given by their families, so the Israelites aren’t breaking their oath.
The chapter ends by saying that in those days, Israel had no king and each person did what seemed right to them. It’s both a comment on the moral chaos of the period and an explanation on why the tribe of Benjamin wasn’t totally wiped out. This account underscores the theme in Judges of Israel’s recurring fall into sin, skirmish among tribes and disunity without a central leadership or monarchy.
What is Judges 21 all about?
“Judges 21” is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the Bible. The chapter outlines the aftermath of a civil war amongst the tribes of Israel, caused by the despicable act committed by the men of Benjamin in Gibeah against a concubine.
In the opening verses, the rest of the Israelites felt remorse for almost wiping out the Tribe of Benjamin, there oath of not giving their daughters in marriage to Benjamites, and they were concerned about one of their tribes ceasing to exist. Thus, they sought ways to ensure the survival of the Tribe of Benjamin without breaking their oaths.
First, they annihilated the people of Jabesh-gilead, an Israelite city that did not show up to the assembly at Mizpah, and gave their virgin daughters to the remaining men of Benjamin. But when they found there were still not enough women for every Benjamite man, they planned to provide them with the daughters of Shiloh.
They advised the Benjamite men to hide in the vineyards during a festival in Shiloh, and when the girls came out to dance, each man was to capture one to be his wife. The elders assured them they would intercede if their families protested.
The plan proceeded, thus providing wives for the remainder of the Benjamite men. The chapter – and the book – concludes by saying that in those days there was no king in Israel, and everyone did as they saw fit. This statement exposes the moral and religious relativism of the time period.
What does Judges 21 teaches?
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this chapter, the Israelites are seen dealing with the consequences of a civil war fought against the tribe of Benjamin. Following are the major themes and lessons:
1. Consequences of Hasty Vows: Earlier in the Book of Judges, the Israelites had sworn an oath not to give their daughters to the Benjamites as wives. However, they regretted their oath when they realized that one of the twelve tribes of Israel could become extinct as a result of their vow. This teaches one to think carefully before making promises or oaths as they have consequences.
2. Solution to a Made Problem: To solve the problem they created, the Israelites devised a plan to provide wives to the remaining Benjamites from the women of Shiloh. This solution, although it preserved the tribe of Benjamin, involved further violence and force, demonstrating how one sin often leads to another.
3. Lack of Leadership: Judges 21 underscores a recurring theme in the Book of Judges — the chaos and moral confusion that occurs when there is no clear leadership. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). This absence of a leader resulted in people making hasty decisions that had disastrous consequences.
4. Need for Repentance and Reconciliation: After the civil war, the Israelites wept before the Lord. This shows their acknowledgement of their sins, suggesting the need for repentance and reconciliation. After the devastation of the war, their collective mourning demonstrated their desire for unity and peace.
Overall, Judges 21 serves as a powerful finale to the Book of Judges reminding readers about the dangers of rash decisions, the spiraling nature of sin, the need for strong and moral leadership, and the importance of repentance and reconciliation.
A Sermon on Judges 21
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament and focuses on the continuing saga of warfare and conflict among the 12 tribes of Israel. This chapter tells the story of the Tribe of Benjamin, which was decimated due to its actions in a preceding episode involving the rape and murder of a concubine.
In a bid to punish the Benjamites for this crime, the other tribes of Israel had gone to war against Benjamin, severely reducing its number to 600 men with no women among them. Consequently, the future of the entire tribe was at stake because there were no women for the men to marry and raise families with.
The story describes the measures the other tribes took to ensure the survival of the Tribe of Benjamin, even though they had earlier sworn not to give their daughters to Benjamin. They excused themselves with the loophole that they will not voluntarily give their daughters, rather the Benjamites had to “steal” their brides during a festival, a standard practice in many primitive societies when there was a shortage of marriageable women.
The book ends on a somber note, with the memorable line: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” It underscores the lawlessness, moral decline, and societal disorder that characterized the era of the Judges.
Thus, a sermon on Judges 21 might emphasize topics such as the consequences of not having a unified leadership, the importance of humility and repentance for reconciliation, the impacts of revenge and violence, and the risks of moral relativism. It further calls attention to the need for God’s guidance and principles in ruling a society justly and morally.
Key people in Judges 21
1. The Men of Israel: After the disturbing incident in Gibeah involving the Benjamites and a Levite’s concubine, the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah that none of them would give their daughters as wives to the Benjamites. In Judges 21, they tried to find a solution to avoid the extinction of the tribe of Benjamin due to the lack of women.
2. The Men of Jabesh-Gilead: When the people of Israel realized that there wasn’t any representation from Jabesh-Gilead at their assembly in Mizpah, they directed their anger towards the inhabitants of that city. The men of Israel destroyed the city for not joining them against the Benjamites, killing every male and non-virgin female, leaving only 400 young virgin women whom they gave to the Benjamites.
3. The Benjamites: This tribe was left without women after Israel’s punishment for the sin they committed. They were the recipients of the virgin women of Jabesh-Gilead, provided by the men of Israel, and the women they abducted during the festival at Shiloh.
4. The Elders of the Assembly: They were the ones who made the decisions regarding the fate of the Benjamites and the city of Jabesh-Gilead. They also came up with the idea of allowing the Benjamites to abduct the girls from Shiloh.
5. The Women of Shiloh: They were the dancers at the festival who were abducted by the Benjamites to be their wives, making possible the preservation of the tribe.
6. The inhabitants of Shiloh: They couldn’t retaliate against the tribe of Benjamin because they had sworn before God not to harm the Benjamites.
These are the key people in Judges 21 and their roles in the story. The chapter illustrates the chaos, violence, and disorder that occurred in Israel during this time when “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
Real world examples on Judges 21
In Judges 21, the Israelites grappled with the decisions they made in a prior chapter where they made a vow not to give their daughters in marriage to the tribe of Benjamin. This was after the tribe of Benjamin had committed a grievous sin and warfare ensued. However, witnessing the near extermination of an entire tribe, the Israelites mourned over the potential loss of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Here’s how this chapter relates to a few real-world examples:
1. Vows and Promises: Sometimes, people make vows or promises in the heat of the moment that they later regret or find difficult to keep. In the modern world, this could apply to everything from political promises made during election campaigns to individual commitments. Failure or challenges to fulfill such vows can lead to conflict and distress, just like in the dilemma faced by the Israelites.
2. Conflict Resolution: Judges 21 also talks about conflict resolution. The Israelites concoct a complicated plan to allow the Benjamites to take wives without directly breaking the Israelites’ past vows. This is similar to real-world diplomatic negotiations where countries, groups, or individuals have differences and conflicts. Instead of pushing forward with force, they could look for compromise or solutions where both parties can achieve their goals without harming their principles or promises.
3. Suffering due to Collective Decisions: Another real world application can be seen in the suffering of the tribe of Benjamin and the innocent women from Jabesh Gilead and Shiloh due to the collective decisions or actions of a larger group. This can be compared to groups of individuals or societies in the modern world that suffer due to the actions, decisions or policies of a larger governing entity or group.
4. Consequences of Impulsive Actions: The civil war among the tribes of Israel displayed in the prior chapters and the problematic solution in chapter 21 can be seen as a reference to the potential destruction and regret that impulsive actions, driven by anger or desire for revenge, can bring. In the real world, this can be illustrated in everything from personal relationships to national policy.
Remember, these examples are my interpretation and your understanding may vary. The Bible often provides parables and allegories meant for personal reflection and insight, and Judges 21 is no exception.
Brief Explanation of Judges 21
Judges 21 is the final chapter of the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. Following a brutal civil war that nearly wipes out the tribe of Benjamin, the Israelites are filled with remorse for their actions and fears of one tribe being wiped out from Israel. They had previously made an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, so they find a loop hole to ensure the survival of the tribe of Benjamin.
They realize that no one from the town of Jabesh Gilead had come to the assembly, so they send 12,000 warriors to kill all the inhabitants except for the virgin women, whom they bring back as wives for the remaining Benjamites. However, there are still not enough women.
The Israelites then instruct the Benjamites to hide in the vineyards during an upcoming festival in Shiloh and surprise and carry off the dancing women to be their wives. By doing this, their fathers and brothers cannot accuse them of breaking the oath because they didn’t technically “give” their daughters to them.
In this way, the tribe of Benjamin survives, but the book ends on a somber note, emphasizing that at this time there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. This underlines the chaos and moral confusion of the time the Book of Judges describes.
Frequently asked questions for Judges 21
“Judges 21” is a chapter in the Bible in the Old Testament’s Book of Judges. Here are some frequently asked questions that could come up around this chapter:
1. **Why did the Israelites swear not to give their daughters to the Benjamites in marriage (Judges 21:1)?**
This is likely a traditional oath taken in response to the shocking actions of the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin’s tribe was almost wiped out in a civil war arising from their refusal to hand over the men who raped and murdered a Levite’s concubine.
2. **Why did the Israelites suddenly grieve over the Benjamites’ near-annihilation (Judges 21:2)?**
The Israelites’ grief indicates their regret at the near-extinction of one of their tribes. They swore to keep the twelve tribes of Israel intact as they were considered God’s chosen people.
3. **What was the plan to provide wives for the Benjamites (Judges 21:16)?**
The leaders decided to provide wives for the Benjamites from Shiloh, who were participating in the annual festival. This was because anyone who didn’t come to the assembly at Mizpah was to be put to death (Judges 21:5).
4. **What was the significance of the annual festival in Shiloh (Judges 21:19)?**
This refers to a feast in Shiloh that involved dancing ceremonies. This was seen as a suitable opportunity for the men of Benjamin to find wives as commanded by their fellow Israelites.
5. **Why did the Israelite elders ask the remaining Benjamites to kidnap the dancing girls of Shiloh (Judges 21:21)?**
This could be a way to circumvent the vow that they had made not to give their daughters to the Benjamites as wives. By allowing the Benjamites to “catch” their brides, the daughters weren’t given away in marriage; the Benjamites “took” them instead.
These questions may vary based on different doctrines, interpretations, and religious perspectives. It’s always wise to discuss such queries with a knowledgeable religious advisor or research from reputable theological sources.
Possible References for Judges 21
Judges 21 is the final chapter in the Book of Judges, part of the Old Testament in the Bible.
1. Israelites’ Oath: The Israelites had made an oath at Mizpah not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjaminites (Judges 21:1 ). This is a significant action as it identifies the strict tribal loyalty and practices at this stage of Israel’s history.
2. Jebusite City of Jabesh-gilead: A decision was taken by the Israelite assembly to punish the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead for not joining in the war against the Benjaminites (Judges 21:8-9).
3. Forced Marriage at Shiloh: The men of Benjamin were allowed to catch the women of Shiloh during the annual festival of the LORD and force them into marriages (Judges 21:16-23). The maiden’s dance at Shiloh was a part of the religious festivities.
4. Dissolution and Chaos: The book ends with a validation of the chaotic state of Israel during the time of the Judges – “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). It is referenced frequently as a sign of Israel’s moral and spiritual decline.
Each reference can be envisioned as a reflection of the cultural, spiritual, and societal situations of Israel at the time. Please refer to the specific Bible version or commentary for more nuanced understanding as interpretations can vary.
Conclusion on Judges 21
Judges 21 is the conclusion of the book of Judges in the Bible. This chapter focuses on the conflict between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin. Previously, the other tribes had sworn not to give their daughters to Benjamite men, leaving the tribe in danger of extinction following a devastating battle. A plan was made to keep the tribe alive without breaking their oath.
They decide to allow the Benjamites to take women from Jabesh Gilead and from the annual festival of the Lord at Shiloh. This results in the Benjamites taking the unmarried women and rebuilding their tribe, allowing it to survive.
The book concludes by stating, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” This is a significant statement that summarizes the chaotic and lawless period of Judges, indicating political and moral unrest. It suggests the urgent need for a centralized monarchy that will come in the following biblical books. It also implies a spiritual message about the dangers of moral relativism and anarchy when people ignore God’s law and do what seems right to them.
Please note that interpreting biblical texts can depend on one’s faith tradition and religious beliefs.