How does Judges 21:17 demonstrate God's provision for the tribe of Benjamin? Setting the Scene “‘They said, ‘There must be an inheritance for the surviving Benjaminites, so that a tribe will not be blotted out from Israel.’” (Judges 21:17) A civil war had nearly erased Benjamin. Only six hundred men remained (Judges 20:47). Israel’s other tribes, grieving over their rash oath not to give their daughters to Benjamin (21:1), sought a way to keep Benjamin’s inheritance alive without violating their vow. Verse 17 captures the turning point: God preserves the tribe’s line and land. Seeing God’s Hand in Verse 17 • Providential Concern – The tribes voice a conviction: “There must be an inheritance.” That burden for Benjamin’s future reflects God’s own heart; He binds the twelve together as one covenant family (Genesis 49; Exodus 28:21). – Scripture often shows God preserving a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 9:27). Here, He stirs Israel to act so Benjamin is not “blotted out.” • Protection of the Promised Land Allotments – Joshua had assigned territory to each tribe by God’s command (Joshua 18-19). If Benjamin disappeared, part of the land would lie ownerless. Judges 21:17 safeguards God’s earlier distribution. • Faithfulness to Covenant Promises – God promised Abraham, “I will make you into a great nation” (Genesis 12:2). That promise included all twelve tribes. Verse 17 reflects God’s unwillingness to let one branch die out. – Later history confirms His faithfulness: notable Benjaminites like King Saul (1 Samuel 9:21), Mordecai and Esther (Esther 2:5-7), and the apostle Paul (Philippians 3:5) arise because Benjamin survived. Practical Provisions Unfolding 1. Jabesh-gilead Solution (Judges 21:8-14) – Israel discovers one town that had not joined the oath, supplying four hundred virgins for Benjamin. – Though the means are messy, God channels circumstances to meet the tribe’s need. 2. Shiloh Festival Plan (Judges 21:19-23) – Two hundred more women are obtained during a feast at Shiloh. – Again, God works through Israel’s imperfect creativity to complete provision. Result: “The Benjaminites rebuilt their cities and settled in them” (Judges 21:23). The tribe not only survives but regains its footing in the land. Threads of God’s Character • Provider—Jehovah-Jireh (Genesis 22:14). When Benjamin’s need seemed impossible, God supplied. • Preserver—He upholds His covenant people (Psalm 121:7-8). • Patient Redeemer—Even amid Israel’s rash vows and violent decisions, He weaves mercy into the story (Lamentations 3:22-23). Living Takeaways • God keeps every promise, even when human failure complicates the path. • No situation is beyond His ability to redeem; He fashions provision out of devastation. • The survival of Benjamin foreshadows the ultimate preservation found in Christ, “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5), through whom every tribe and nation receive eternal inheritance (Ephesians 1:11). Judges 21:17 may appear a small statement, yet it rings with hope: God ensures that His people—every last one—have an inheritance that cannot be erased. |
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