What is the meaning of Judges 21:7? What should we do The opening question exposes Israel’s immediate crisis: “What should we do…?” Their civil war with Benjamin has brought unintended fallout—a tribe teeters on extinction (Judges 20:47). Israel’s leaders pause to seek a course of action rather than rushing ahead, echoing earlier patterns of inquiring of the LORD (Judges 20:18) and reflecting Proverbs 3:5-6 (“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…”). It reminds us that even when our own choices create tense situations, God still invites us to seek His wisdom (James 1:5). about wives The specific need is wives. • Without marriage and children, Benjamin’s line will vanish, violating God’s design for fruitfulness (Genesis 1:28) and tribal inheritance promises (Numbers 36:7). • Scripture repeatedly shows God valuing the preservation of family lines—see Deuteronomy 25:5-10’s levirate principle. Israel senses responsibility: they caused the loss of Benjamin’s women (Judges 20:48), so they must find a righteous solution. for the survivors Only six hundred Benjamite men remain (Judges 20:47). • These “survivors” represent both the consequence of sin and the mercy of God, who always preserves a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 11:5). • Their survival also preserves Israel’s unity; twelve tribes were God’s covenant structure (Exodus 24:4). Cutting one off would mar His redemptive plan. since we have sworn by the LORD Israel’s predicament deepens because the oath was not casual; it was “by the LORD.” • Numbers 30:2 commands: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD… he shall not violate his word.” • Ecclesiastes 5:4 warns against delaying the fulfillment of vows. The covenant name “LORD” links the vow to God’s own character, making reversal unthinkable (Psalm 15:4—“He who keeps his oath even when it hurts”). not to give them our daughters in marriage Their self-imposed ban removes the simplest remedy. • They must honor the vow (Judges 21:18), so they search for God-honoring alternatives, leading to creative—yet morally complex—solutions (Judges 21:8-23). • The episode illustrates the weight of rash vows (cf. Jephthah in Judges 11:30-39) and warns believers today to measure words before binding ourselves (Matthew 5:37). summary Judges 21:7 captures Israel at a moral crossroads. They long to restore Benjamin but are bound by a solemn oath. The verse exposes the tension between upholding divine law and extending covenant mercy. It highlights: • The importance of seeking God’s wisdom when human plans collapse. • God’s heart to preserve His covenant people, even through their failures. • The gravity of vows and the need for thoughtful, prayerful commitment. Israel’s dilemma ultimately showcases God’s sovereign ability to work redemption out of human missteps, ensuring His purposes endure for every tribe and generation. |
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