Judges 21:1

KJV

¶ Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now the men {H376} of Israel {H3478} had sworn {H7650} in Mizpeh {H4709}, saying {H559}, There shall not any {H376} of us give {H5414} his daughter {H1323} unto Benjamin {H1144} to wife {H802}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men of Isra'el had sworn in Mitzpah that none of them would let his daughter marry a man from Binyamin.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.”

American Standard Version

Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:1 introduces the profound moral and existential crisis confronting the tribes of Israel after their devastating civil war against Benjamin. Following the near annihilation of Benjamin, with only 600 males surviving, the Israelites are immediately faced with the dire consequences of a solemn, yet rash, vow made prior to the conflict: that none of them would give their daughters in marriage to any man of Benjamin. This verse critically sets the stage for the desperate and ethically complex measures the Israelites would subsequently undertake to prevent the complete extinction of one of their twelve tribes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 21:1 serves as the crucial opening verse of the final chapter in the book of Judges, bringing to a head the narrative arc initiated by the horrific incident of the Levite's concubine in Gibeah, detailed in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine"). This atrocity escalated into a demand for justice, Benjamin's defiant refusal to surrender the culprits, and a subsequent civil war meticulously described in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War Against Benjamin"). The war culminated in an overwhelming victory for the other Israelite tribes, but at a catastrophic cost, nearly eradicating Benjamin, with only 600 men remaining as a remnant, as recounted in [Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Remnant of Benjamin"). The present verse immediately highlights the new and equally pressing dilemma arising from a pre-war vow, thereby establishing the narrative tension for the desperate and morally ambiguous solutions pursued throughout the remainder of the chapter to ensure Benjamin's survival and prevent the loss of a tribal inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges was characterized by profound political fragmentation, pervasive spiritual apostasy, and widespread moral decay, famously encapsulated by the recurring refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel")). Within this chaotic and decentralized environment, tribal identity and the preservation of all twelve tribes were not merely cultural preferences but fundamental pillars of Israel's national and covenantal identity. Oaths and vows, particularly those made publicly and collectively before God at significant national gathering places like Mizpeh ([Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - Israel Gathers at Mizpeh")), were considered exceptionally serious and legally binding. Breaking such a vow was not only a social transgression but a grave religious offense, often believed to invite divine judgment, as outlined in passages like [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Seriousness of Vows"). The Israelites' predicament in Judges 21:1 thus stems from the irreconcilable clash between the sanctity of their self-imposed vow and the existential threat to a brother tribe, forcing them to navigate an impossible situation within their established cultural and religious framework.

* **Key Themes:** This verse immediately introduces several critical themes that resonate throughout the chapter and the broader book of Judges. Firstly, it underscores **the danger of rash vows**, powerfully demonstrating how solemn oaths made in haste or anger, without adequate foresight or divine consultation, can lead to unforeseen and devastating consequences. The Israelites' vow, initially intended as a punitive measure against Benjamin, now paradoxically threatens its very existence. Secondly, it highlights the deep-seated commitment to the **preservation of God's people and the twelve tribes**. Despite the horrific and internecine civil war, the other tribes felt a profound, almost covenantal, responsibility to prevent the extinction of Benjamin, recognizing the imperative of maintaining the integrity and completeness of the covenant nation. Finally, the narrative starkly exposes the pervasive **moral ambiguity and human failure** characteristic of the Judges period. The Israelites, acting without clear divine guidance, a righteous king, or a unified spiritual authority, repeatedly find themselves in morally compromising situations, attempting to rectify their own mistakes through flawed human wisdom rather than humbly seeking and submitting to God's perfect will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sworn (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** This verb signifies the act of making a solemn, binding oath or covenant, often accompanied by an appeal to God or an invocation of divine judgment if the oath is broken. In ancient Israelite culture, such vows were taken with extreme seriousness and carried immense spiritual and social weight, making the Israelites' predicament in this chapter particularly profound as they grappled with the consequences of an oath they felt morally bound to uphold. The root meaning of "to seven oneself" suggests a complete and binding commitment, as if sealed by the number seven.
* **Mizpeh (Hebrew, _Mitspâh'_):** Meaning "watchtower" or "observation post," Mizpeh was a significant gathering place for the tribes of Israel, frequently used for religious assemblies, military musters, or national deliberations. The fact that this oath was made at Mizpeh underscores its public, collective, and religiously sanctioned nature, adding to its binding force and the gravity of the dilemma it presented to the entire nation. It implies a place where God's eye, or the eyes of the community, were upon the proceedings.
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** While seemingly straightforward, this word carries immense significance in the context of tribal continuity. In a patriarchal society where lineage was traced through the male line and tribal survival depended on marriage and procreation, the prohibition against giving a "daughter" in marriage directly threatened the future of Benjamin. The term encompasses not just an individual female but represents the very means of perpetuating family lines and tribal identity, making the vow's implications for Benjamin's survival absolute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes the collective responsibility of the entire nation (excluding Benjamin) for the oath. The past perfect tense "had sworn" indicates that the vow was made prior to the current moment of reflection and regret, specifically before the final, devastating phase of the war against Benjamin. The location, Mizpeh, emphasizes the solemnity and public nature of the oath, made in a place of national assembly and religious significance, thereby underscoring its binding authority.
* **"saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife."**: This is the precise and absolute content of the binding oath. It is an unequivocal prohibition on intermarriage, directly targeting the future survival of the tribe of Benjamin. In a patriarchal society where lineage was traced through the male line and tribal continuity depended entirely on marriage and procreation, this vow, if strictly adhered to, guaranteed the extinction of Benjamin, especially given the near annihilation of their male population in the preceding conflict. The phrasing highlights the direct action of "giving" a daughter, emphasizing the control and responsibility of the "men of Israel."

#### Literary Devices
Judges 21:1 employs several powerful literary devices to immediately establish the chapter's central conflict, emotional tone, and thematic depth. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as the explicit statement of the vow immediately sets up the profound dilemma that the rest of the chapter will seek to resolve: how to uphold a binding oath while simultaneously preventing the annihilation of a brother tribe. This creates significant narrative tension and suspense from the outset. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as the very act intended to punish Benjamin (the solemn vow made in righteous indignation) now becomes a source of immense distress and a new, self-inflicted moral quandary for the other tribes. Their attempt to enforce justice has led them into a self-made trap. Finally, the verse evokes **Pathos**, immediately bringing to light the desperate and tragic situation the Israelites find themselves in, having nearly destroyed one of their own and now facing the devastating, long-term consequences of their rash actions. The reader is invited to feel the weight of their despair and the moral quagmire they have created.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:1 powerfully illustrates the theological principle of the seriousness of vows before God and the far-reaching, often unintended, consequences of human folly and rash decisions. While God is faithful to His covenant promises, human beings, particularly in a period marked by moral and spiritual decline, often act impulsively, creating complex ethical dilemmas that highlight their profound need for divine wisdom and guidance. The Israelites' predicament underscores the inherent tension between human-made commitments and God's overarching plan for His people, which unequivocally included the preservation of all twelve tribes as foundational to His covenant. This chapter, therefore, serves as a stark reminder that even actions taken with seemingly good intentions (like punishing evil or upholding an oath) can lead to unintended and destructive outcomes if not tempered by foresight, humility, and a deep, prayerful reliance on God's counsel rather than self-reliance.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Seriousness of Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Be Rash with Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:1 offers a timeless and sobering lesson on the critical importance of thoughtful deliberation, patience, and prayer before making significant commitments, especially those with binding implications. The Israelites, in their grief and anger over the atrocities committed by Benjamin, made a vow that they later deeply regretted, finding themselves trapped between the sanctity of their oath and the tragic consequence of tribal extinction. This narrative challenges us to consider the long-term ramifications of our words and actions, particularly when made in moments of intense emotion or perceived crisis. It encourages us to cultivate self-control and seek divine wisdom diligently, rather than yielding to impulsive reactions that can lead to unforeseen and painful dilemmas. Our integrity is deeply tied to the promises we make, and this verse reminds us that true wisdom involves foresight, a humble recognition of our limited understanding, and a willingness to pause and seek God's perspective before committing ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What commitments or vows have I made, whether explicitly or implicitly, and have I truly considered their potential long-term implications, both for myself and for others?**
* **How do I typically respond to situations when I feel strong emotions like anger, grief, or excitement? Do I tend to act or speak rashly in such moments?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate more patience, seek wise counsel from godly mentors, or pray for divine wisdom before making important decisions or promises?**

### FAQ
**Why was the vow against Benjamin considered so serious, and why did the Israelites regret it?**

Answer: The vow against Benjamin was considered extremely serious for several reasons deeply rooted in ancient Israelite culture and theology. Firstly, oaths made, especially in a public assembly like Mizpeh and before God, were regarded as sacred and absolutely binding. Breaking such a vow was not merely a social faux pas but a grave offense against God and the community, carrying significant spiritual and communal consequences. Secondly, the Israelites regretted it because, after their devastating civil war with Benjamin, only 600 men of the tribe survived ([Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "The Remnant of Benjamin")). If the vow forbidding intermarriage was strictly upheld, these men would have no wives, and the tribe of Benjamin, one of the twelve foundational tribes of Israel, would inevitably die out. This threatened the integrity and completeness of the twelve-tribe nation, which was foundational to God's covenant with Israel and His promise to Abraham. The prospect of losing an entire tribe, despite their recent conflict, filled the Israelites with deep remorse and led them to desperately seek a way to preserve Benjamin without directly breaking their solemn oath, as detailed throughout [Judges 21](/judges/21 "The Preservation of Benjamin").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Judges 21:1, with its portrayal of human folly, rash vows, and the desperate, often ethically questionable, attempts to rectify self-inflicted wounds, profoundly underscores the pervasive need for a divine solution to humanity's sin and its complex, destructive consequences. The Israelites' inability to navigate this moral dilemma without resorting to further ethically compromising actions (as seen later in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "The Preservation of Benjamin")) highlights the inherent limitations of human wisdom, legalistic adherence, and even the Law itself in bringing about true redemption, reconciliation, and life. Unlike the flawed and often destructive vows of men, God's covenant promises are steadfast, unbreakable, and perfectly fulfilled, rooted in His immutable character ([Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "God's Unchangeable Promise and Oath")). Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate fulfillment, the one who perfectly upholds divine justice while simultaneously extending boundless mercy and life. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), reconciling humanity to God through His own perfect, self-sacrificial death on the cross—a stark contrast to the cycle of violence, regret, and human ingenuity seen in Judges. Through Him, God's people are preserved, not by human ingenuity, the breaking of vows, or morally ambiguous schemes, but by the transformative power of the Gospel, gathering a people from every tribe and nation into His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). He is the true King who brings order, righteousness, and lasting peace where human leadership failed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

Mark 6:23

And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give [it] thee, unto the half of my kingdom.

Judges 21:18

Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed [be] he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter [any] thing before God: for God [is] in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.

Acts 23:12

¶ And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Judges 20:8

And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any [of us] go to his tent, neither will we any [of us] turn into his house.

Jeremiah 4:2

And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.