Judges 21:23

The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. They went back to their own inheritance, rebuilt their cities, and settled in them.

Study Bible

The Benjamites did as instructed
The tribe of Benjamin followed the counsel given by the elders of Israel. This reflects the importance of obedience to leadership within the community, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. The Benjamites' compliance also highlights the communal effort to restore the tribe after the near annihilation due to the civil war described in Judges 20.

and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught.
This phrase refers to the events at Shiloh, where the Benjamites took wives from the daughters of Shiloh during a festival. This action was a solution to the oath taken by the Israelites not to give their daughters to the Benjamites. The cultural context of ancient Israel included arranged marriages and tribal alliances, which were crucial for survival and continuity. The festival likely involved dances as part of the celebration, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

They went back to their own inheritance,
The concept of inheritance is significant in Israelite culture, as land was a divine gift and a sign of God's covenant with His people. The return to their inheritance signifies a restoration of the tribe of Benjamin and a return to normalcy and stability after the conflict. This also reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption.

rebuilt their cities,
Rebuilding the cities indicates a period of reconstruction and renewal. This act of rebuilding is symbolic of hope and a new beginning, akin to the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It underscores the resilience of the Benjamites and their determination to reestablish their presence in the land.

and settled in them.
Settling in the rebuilt cities marks the completion of the Benjamites' restoration. It signifies peace and the reestablishment of community life. This settlement is a fulfillment of God's promise to His people to give them a land where they can dwell securely. It also prefigures the ultimate rest and settlement promised to believers in the New Testament, pointing to the eternal inheritance in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near extinction due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes.

2. Young Women
Refers to the daughters of Shiloh, who were taken by the Benjamites to become their wives during a festival.

3. Shiloh
A significant religious and cultural center in ancient Israel, where the tabernacle was located before the temple was built in Jerusalem.

4. Civil War
The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, which led to the near annihilation of the Benjamites.

5. Inheritance
The land and cities that the Benjamites returned to and rebuilt after acquiring wives from Shiloh.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events in Judges 21:23 are a direct result of the moral and spiritual decline in Israel, reminding us of the destructive nature of sin and disobedience to God.

God's Mercy and Restoration
Despite the Benjamites' dire situation, God allowed for their restoration, illustrating His mercy and the possibility of redemption even after severe judgment.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to chaos and moral decay, underscoring the need for leaders who follow God's ways.

The Sanctity of Marriage
The method by which the Benjamites acquired wives raises questions about the sanctity and consent in marriage, prompting us to value and uphold biblical principles in our relationships.

Community and Rebuilding
The Benjamites' return to their inheritance and rebuilding of their cities highlights the importance of community and restoration after conflict and loss.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Benjamites in Judges 21:23 reflect the broader theme of Israel's cycle of sin and redemption throughout the book of Judges?

2. In what ways does the absence of centralized leadership contribute to the events in Judges 21:23, and how can this inform our understanding of leadership in the church today?

3. How can the account of the Benjamites and the daughters of Shiloh challenge us to consider the importance of consent and mutual respect in relationships?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Benjamites' rebuilding of their cities about the process of restoration and healing in our own lives and communities?

5. How does the mercy shown to the Benjamites in their restoration encourage us to seek God's forgiveness and redemption in our personal lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and the Shechemites provides a parallel of forced marriage and the resulting conflict, highlighting the complexities of inter-tribal relationships in Israel's history.

Deuteronomy 12
Discusses the centralization of worship in Israel, which is relevant to understanding the significance of Shiloh as a religious center.

Ruth 4
The redemption of Naomi's family line through Boaz and Ruth contrasts with the Benjamites' method of securing wives, emphasizing lawful and loving relationships.