Judges 21:6

And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, "Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.

Study Bible

And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites
The Israelites' grief reflects the deep familial bonds among the tribes of Israel, emphasizing the unity and shared heritage of the twelve tribes descended from Jacob's sons. This sorrow is not just for the loss of life but for the potential extinction of an entire tribe, which would disrupt the divinely ordained structure of Israel. The Benjamites, despite their transgressions, are still considered brothers, highlighting the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness within the covenant community. This moment of grief can be compared to other instances in Scripture where Israel mourns for its people, such as the lament over Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:17-27).

and said, “Today a tribe is cut off from Israel.”
The phrase "cut off" indicates a severe and potentially permanent separation, which in biblical terms often implies divine judgment or a significant breach in covenant relationship. The concern here is not only for the immediate loss but for the long-term implications on the nation of Israel, as each tribe had a specific role and inheritance in the Promised Land. The potential loss of Benjamin would mean a loss of part of Israel's identity and strength. This situation foreshadows the later division of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, where the unity of Israel is again threatened. Theologically, this reflects the consequences of sin and disobedience, as seen in the broader narrative of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The cutting off of a tribe also echoes the warnings given in the law about the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 29:18-21).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are mourning the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin due to a civil war sparked by a grievous sin in Gibeah.

2. Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, which faced near annihilation by the other Israelite tribes as a consequence of the events in Gibeah and the subsequent war.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin where a horrific crime occurred, leading to the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

4. Civil War
The internal conflict among the tribes of Israel, resulting in the decimation of the tribe of Benjamin.

5. Mizpah
The place where the Israelites gathered to decide the fate of the Benjamites and where they had previously taken an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The events leading to the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin and the importance of communal responsibility in addressing sin within the community.

The Importance of Reconciliation
The grief of the Israelites over the loss of a tribe highlights the need for reconciliation and restoration within the body of believers, even after severe conflict.

God's Faithfulness and Redemption
Despite the dire situation, God's overarching plan includes redemption and restoration, as seen in the eventual survival and continuation of the tribe of Benjamin.

The Danger of Rash Vows
The Israelites' oath not to give their daughters to the Benjamites demonstrates the potential consequences of making hasty promises without seeking God's guidance.

Unity in Diversity
The near loss of a tribe underscores the importance of unity among God's people, valuing each member and recognizing the unique contributions of each tribe or group.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin, and how can we apply these lessons to conflicts within our own communities?

2. How does the account of the Benjamites in Judges 21 relate to the broader biblical theme of redemption and restoration?

3. In what ways can the consequences of the Israelites' rash vow serve as a warning for us today in making commitments or promises?

4. How can we ensure that we are seeking God's guidance in our decisions, especially when dealing with sin and conflict within the church?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced reconciliation after a conflict. How did it impact your understanding of unity and diversity within the body of Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 49:27
This verse describes Benjamin as a ravenous wolf, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's aggressive and tumultuous history, including the events in Judges.

Romans 11:1-2
Paul, a Benjamite, speaks of God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting that God has not rejected His people, which can be seen as a parallel to the eventual restoration of the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 9:21
Saul, the first king of Israel, comes from the tribe of Benjamin, showing God's continued purpose and redemption for the tribe despite its earlier near destruction.