What does the offering of burnt offerings in Judges 21:4 signify about repentance? Setting the Scene • After Israel’s civil war against Benjamin, only 600 Benjamite men remained (Judges 20–21). • The nation realized the gravity of nearly wiping out a tribe, coupled with the rash oath that barred them from giving their daughters in marriage (Judges 21:1–3). • “The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings.” (Judges 21:4) The Purpose of Burnt Offerings • Total consecration: The entire animal was consumed, symbolizing complete surrender of the worshiper to God (Leviticus 1:9). • Atonement for sin: “He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him.” (Leviticus 1:4). • Restoration of fellowship: Burnt offerings marked a desire to draw near after sin had caused distance (Leviticus 9:7; 2 Samuel 24:25). Repentance Displayed in Judges 21:4 • Acknowledgment of guilt – The people recognized both their violence and their rash vow; the burnt offering admitted, “We were wrong.” • Seeking divine acceptance – By sacrificing first (burnt offering) and then fellowshipping (peace offering), they asked God to cleanse and then restore them. • Wholehearted surrender – The offering’s total consumption mirrored Israel’s need to give themselves wholly back to God, not just fix a political mess. • Dependence on mercy – No human plan could undo the damage. Only God’s grace, accessed through atoning sacrifice, could reconcile the nation and preserve Benjamin. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 51:17, 19 – True repentance is a broken spirit, and then “You will delight in righteous sacrifices, in burnt offerings.” • 2 Chronicles 7:14 – God heals His people when they humble themselves and turn from wicked ways. • Hebrews 10:10 – Christ’s once-for-all offering fulfills what every burnt offering foreshadowed. Lessons for Today • Genuine repentance involves both sorrow over sin and tangible steps of surrender. • God welcomes those who come His prescribed way—through atoning sacrifice; for us, that is now fully in Christ. • National or collective sins require collective repentance; God still calls communities, not just individuals, to humble submission. • Quick vows and impulsive actions can lead to deep wounds. Repentance seeks God’s wisdom before, and God’s mercy after, rash choices. |
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