Lamentation for Benjamin
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The "Lamentation for Benjamin" refers to the sorrowful events and subsequent mourning associated with the tribe of Benjamin, as recorded in the Book of Judges, particularly in chapters 19-21. This narrative is a poignant episode in the history of Israel, illustrating the consequences of moral decay and the breakdown of societal order during the time when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Context and Background

The events leading to the lamentation begin with a grievous crime committed in the Benjamite city of Gibeah. A Levite and his concubine, while traveling, sought refuge in Gibeah. The men of the city, described as "wicked men" (Judges 19:22), surrounded the house where they were staying and demanded to abuse the Levite. In a tragic turn, the Levite's concubine was offered to them and was brutally abused throughout the night, leading to her death.

The Levite, upon discovering her lifeless body, dismembered her and sent her parts throughout the territories of Israel, calling for justice and inciting outrage among the tribes. This act served as a catalyst for the assembly of the Israelites at Mizpah, where they resolved to address the atrocity committed in Gibeah.

The Conflict and Its Aftermath

The tribes of Israel demanded that the tribe of Benjamin surrender the perpetrators from Gibeah. However, the Benjamites refused, choosing instead to defend their kinsmen. This refusal led to a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The conflict was fierce, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. The Israelites, after seeking the LORD's guidance, eventually defeated the Benjamites, leaving only 600 men who fled to the rock of Rimmon.

The victory, however, came at a great cost. The tribe of Benjamin was nearly annihilated, and the Israelites were struck with remorse over the near extinction of one of their own tribes. They lamented, "O LORD, God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that one tribe is missing from Israel today?" (Judges 21:3).

Restoration Efforts

In their grief, the Israelites sought to restore the tribe of Benjamin. They devised a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites, as they had sworn not to give their daughters to them in marriage. The Israelites allowed the Benjamites to take wives from the women of Jabesh-gilead and later from the daughters of Shiloh during a festival, thus ensuring the survival of the tribe.

Theological and Moral Implications

The "Lamentation for Benjamin" serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of justice tempered with mercy. It highlights the dangers of moral relativism and the chaos that ensues when God's laws are disregarded. The narrative underscores the need for communal responsibility and the pursuit of reconciliation and restoration, even after severe judgment.

This episode in Israel's history is a testament to the complexities of human sinfulness and the enduring hope for redemption and unity among God's people.
Subtopics

Lamentation

Related Terms

Acrostic (2 Occurrences)

Fail (130 Occurrences)

Pitied (19 Occurrences)

Attacker (14 Occurrences)

Maidens (40 Occurrences)

Virgins (33 Occurrences)

Foe (23 Occurrences)

Coral (3 Occurrences)

Sigh (18 Occurrences)

Wormwood (10 Occurrences)

Comforter (14 Occurrences)

Attentively (35 Occurrences)

Gall (17 Occurrences)

Breathing (25 Occurrences)

Lamented (19 Occurrences)

Bitterness (37 Occurrences)

Desirable (49 Occurrences)

Imagination (20 Occurrences)

Relieve (14 Occurrences)

Pursuers (19 Occurrences)

Cry (431 Occurrences)

Attackers (41 Occurrences)

Eye (145 Occurrences)

Coal (7 Occurrences)

Refresh (18 Occurrences)

Streets (83 Occurrences)

Gesture

Mocking (25 Occurrences)

Groan (32 Occurrences)

Decreed (33 Occurrences)

Grievously (17 Occurrences)

Gravel (3 Occurrences)

Drained (38 Occurrences)

Tears (58 Occurrences)

Watches (23 Occurrences)

Drunken (38 Occurrences)

Trodden (42 Occurrences)

Wrapped (40 Occurrences)

Relief (32 Occurrences)

Bone (35 Occurrences)

Revive (31 Occurrences)

Mock (43 Occurrences)

Backward (39 Occurrences)

Impurity (42 Occurrences)

Filthy (22 Occurrences)

Infants (71 Occurrences)

Bear (425 Occurrences)

Swallowed (43 Occurrences)

Faint (76 Occurrences)

Apple (8 Occurrences)

Lamentation (45 Occurrences)

Transgressions (64 Occurrences)

Kidneys (15 Occurrences)

Mourning (85 Occurrences)

Spared (45 Occurrences)

Esteemed (44 Occurrences)

Breach (55 Occurrences)

Quiver (9 Occurrences)

Visions (43 Occurrences)

Kindnesses (11 Occurrences)

Laments (4 Occurrences)

Lovingkindnesses (11 Occurrences)

Lamenteth (4 Occurrences)

Grind (12 Occurrences)

Gnash (12 Occurrences)

Wine-press (11 Occurrences)

Infant (14 Occurrences)

Imaginations (9 Occurrences)

Folded (19 Occurrences)

Fine (184 Occurrences)

Fox (2 Occurrences)

Rail (8 Occurrences)

Respite (8 Occurrences)

Remembereth (19 Occurrences)

Expose (12 Occurrences)

Dust (182 Occurrences)

Derision (24 Occurrences)

Plots (20 Occurrences)

Persecutors (14 Occurrences)

Lamentation and Mourning
Top of Page
Top of Page