Judges 21:13

KJV

And the whole congregation sent [some] to speak to the children of Benjamin that [were] in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the whole congregation {H5712} sent {H7971} some to speak {H1696} to the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144} that were in the rock {H5553} Rimmon {H7417}, and to call {H7121} peaceably {H7965} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the whole gathering sent a message proclaiming peace to the people of Binyamin who were at the Rock of Rimmon.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the whole congregation sent a message of peace to the Benjamites who were at the rock of Rimmon.

American Standard Version

And the whole congregation sent and spake to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:13 marks a pivotal moment in the aftermath of Israel's devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Following the near annihilation of Benjamin and the subsequent lament of the remaining tribes, this verse describes the collective decision of the Israelite congregation to dispatch messengers to the 600 surviving Benjamite men, who had taken refuge at the rock Rimmon. This outreach, characterized by an earnest plea for peace and restoration, signifies a profound shift from punitive action to a desperate, yet necessary, pursuit of reconciliation, aimed at preserving the integrity of Israel's twelve tribes and rectifying the dire consequences of their rash actions and vows.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 21:13 is situated in the concluding chapter of the Book of Judges, a book that graphically portrays the moral and social chaos of Israel in the absence of a king, where "[every man did that which was right in his own eyes](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")" (as stated in [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Moral Decay") and reiterated in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Recurring Theme of Anarchy")). The preceding chapters ([Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine") and [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - War Against Benjamin")) detail a horrific incident involving a Levite and his concubine, which escalated into a brutal civil war between the eleven tribes and Benjamin. This conflict resulted in the near extinction of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving by fleeing to the [rock Rimmon](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - Benjamin's Remnant at Rimmon"). Furthermore, the congregation had made a solemn, albeit rash, oath at Mizpah not to give their daughters to any Benjamite ([Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - The Oath at Mizpah")), creating an insurmountable problem for the tribe's long-term survival. This verse initiates the desperate, yet necessary, effort to find a solution to this self-imposed dilemma, demonstrating a crucial shift from punitive action to restorative intent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was structured as a tribal confederacy, where the integrity of the twelve tribes was paramount to their identity as God's chosen people. The potential loss of an entire tribe was not merely a demographic issue but a profound theological crisis, threatening the very fabric of their covenant identity and the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham regarding a numerous posterity. Vows, particularly those made before the Lord, were considered binding and sacred in ancient Israelite culture, even when made in haste or anger. The dilemma faced by the Israelites in [Judges 21](/judges/21 "Judges 21 - Securing Wives for Benjamin") highlights the tension between the sanctity of a vow and the catastrophic consequences of its literal fulfillment. The "rock Rimmon" ([Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Rock Rimmon")), a specific geographical feature, served as a literal and symbolic refuge for the beleaguered Benjamites, underscoring their isolation and vulnerability before the congregation's outreach.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **reconciliation and restoration** after profound conflict, highlighting the human capacity for regret and the desire for unity, even amidst deep wounds. The decision to send messengers for peace demonstrates a belated but vital recognition of the need to heal the fractured nation. Secondly, it emphasizes the **preservation of Israel's tribal identity** and the importance of communal integrity for God's covenant people. The collective lament over Benjamin's near extinction ([Judges 21:6](/judges/21-6 "Judges 21:6 - Lament for Benjamin")) reveals a belated recognition of the value of every tribe to the whole. Thirdly, the narrative implicitly critiques the **consequences of rash vows** and the dangers of acting on emotion rather than divine wisdom. The entire convoluted plan to secure wives for Benjamin ([Judges 21:10-24](/judges/21-10-24 "Judges 21:10-24 - Securing Wives for Benjamin")) stems directly from the people's hasty oath, illustrating how human folly can necessitate morally ambiguous solutions to self-inflicted problems, all within the overarching context of God's sovereign preservation of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _`êdâh'_):** From H5712, this term refers to a "stated assemblage," "concourse," or "multitude." Its use here emphasizes that the decision to seek peace was a unified, deliberate act by the collective body of Israel, representing a significant shift in the national mood from vengeful anger to a desire for communal healing and preservation. It highlights the corporate responsibility and the unified voice behind this initiative.
* **Call (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this primitive root means "to call out to," "address by name," or "proclaim." When the congregation "calls peaceably" to Benjamin, it signifies a formal and intentional summons, an invitation to dialogue rather than continued conflict. This is not a passive waiting for Benjamin to return, but an active, deliberate outreach, indicating a profound change in the relationship dynamics.
* **Peaceably (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, this rich Hebrew word denotes more than merely the absence of conflict; it signifies "wholeness," "completeness," "well-being," "prosperity," and a state of "right relationship." When the congregation "calls peaceably" (literally "with peace," _b'shalom_) to Benjamin, they are not merely offering an end to hostilities but are seeking a comprehensive restoration of the relationship, a return to communal integrity and mutual flourishing within the tribal confederacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the whole congregation sent [some]":** This clause underscores the collective responsibility and initiative of the Israelite tribes. After the devastating war and the realization of Benjamin's near annihilation, it was the unified body of Israel that took the proactive step towards reconciliation. This indicates a profound shift from a posture of judgment and warfare to one of seeking restoration. The implied "[some]" refers to messengers or delegates, highlighting the formal and deliberate nature of this diplomatic overture.
* **"to speak to the children of Benjamin that [were] in the rock Rimmon":** This specifies the precise target of the outreach: the surviving 600 Benjamite men, isolated and vulnerable in their stronghold. The act of "speaking" implies open communication and a willingness to engage in dialogue after a period of intense violence and silence. Identifying their location at the "rock Rimmon" acknowledges their desperate situation and the specific context of their survival, making the outreach precise and intentionally directed at the beleaguered remnant.
* **"and to call peaceably unto them":** This final phrase reveals the core purpose of the mission. The verb "call" (Hebrew, _qara'_) suggests an invitation or summons, but modified by "peaceably" (Hebrew, _b'shalom_), it transforms into an earnest plea for reconciliation. It signifies a desire not just for a truce, but for a genuine restoration of _shalom_ – wholeness, well-being, and right relationship – between the warring factions of Israel, indicating a deep longing for the healing of the national body.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very "congregation" that had, through its actions, brought Benjamin to the brink of extinction now actively seeks its preservation. This stark contrast highlights the tragic consequences of their earlier rashness and the desperate measures required to rectify them. There is also a powerful **contrast** between the preceding chapters' graphic descriptions of violence, rape, and civil war, and the sudden shift to the language of "peaceably" and reconciliation in this verse. This juxtaposition emphasizes the severity of the crisis and the profound nature of the desired healing. Furthermore, the **symbolism** of the "rock Rimmon" is significant; it represents not only a physical refuge but also the isolation and precarious existence of the Benjamite remnant, making the outreach to them a symbolic bridging of a deep chasm. The narrative also uses **foreshadowing**, as this desperate human effort to preserve the twelve tribes implicitly points to the future need for a righteous king who would bring true order and peace to Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:13, though set in a dark period of Israel's history marked by moral decay and self-inflicted wounds, offers a glimmer of hope and a profound theological lesson on the importance of reconciliation and the preservation of God's people. It demonstrates that even after severe internal conflict and moral failure, there is a divine imperative, often realized through human initiative, to seek restoration and unity. The lament of the tribes over Benjamin's near-extinction ([Judges 21:6](/judges/21-6 "Judges 21:6 - Israel's Lament for Benjamin")) underscores God's covenant faithfulness to His promise of a numerous people, even when His people act in ways that threaten that promise. This verse foreshadows the broader biblical theme of God's persistent pursuit of reconciliation with humanity and the call for His people to be peacemakers, reflecting His own character.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalms/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Living Peaceably with All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:13 serves as a powerful reminder that even in the wake of profound division and destructive conflict, the pursuit of reconciliation is a divine imperative and a necessary step towards healing. The "whole congregation" took the initiative to reach out to those they had recently fought against, demonstrating that peace often requires the stronger party, or the party that recognizes its error, to make the first move. This passage challenges us to consider our own roles in fostering _shalom_ within our communities, families, and churches. It reminds us that every member, even those who have erred or suffered greatly, holds intrinsic value within the body of Christ, and that their preservation and restoration are vital for the health and completeness of the whole. It is a call to actively lament divisions and to work proactively to bridge gaps, even when past wrongs have been severe, recognizing that true healing begins with a genuine desire for peace and wholeness, mirroring God's own heart for reconciliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the congregation's shift from vengeance to reconciliation challenge my own responses to conflict and division?**
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be called to initiate "peaceable" dialogue with those with whom we are estranged or in conflict?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the long-term consequences of rash decisions and the importance of seeking wise counsel?**

### FAQ
**Why did the congregation wait so long to seek peace with Benjamin?**

Answer: The initial actions of the congregation were driven by outrage and a desire for justice for the horrific crime committed in Gibeah ([Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine")). This righteous indignation, however, escalated into a brutal civil war that nearly annihilated Benjamin. The delay in seeking peace stemmed from their intense anger, their solemn vow not to give their daughters to Benjamin ([Judges 21:1](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - The Oath at Mizpah")), and perhaps a period of shock and profound lament after realizing the catastrophic implications of their actions. It was only after they "repented them for Benjamin" ([Judges 21:6](/judges/21-6 "Judges 21:6 - Israel's Repentance")) and recognized the potential loss of an entire tribe of Israel that they began to seek a solution, leading to the proactive outreach described in [Judges 21:13](/judges/21-13 "Judges 21:13 - Seeking Peace with Benjamin").

**What was the "rock Rimmon," and why was it significant?**

Answer: The "rock Rimmon" ([Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - Benjamin's Remnant at Rimmon")) was a specific, prominent cliff or stronghold located east of Bethel, likely near the wilderness. It served as the last refuge for the 600 surviving Benjamite men who fled the battlefield. Its significance lies in its role as a place of isolation and last resort, symbolizing the desperate state of the Benjamite tribe. The fact that the congregation sent messengers specifically "to the children of Benjamin that [were] in the rock Rimmon" highlights their precise knowledge of the remnant's location and their intentional effort to reach them in their vulnerable state, underscoring the sincerity of their desire for reconciliation.

**How does this chaotic period in Judges relate to the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereignty?**

Answer: The Book of Judges, particularly its concluding chapters, vividly illustrates the consequences of a people living without a righteous king, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Anarchy of Judges")). While human sin and folly are rampant, God's sovereignty is subtly demonstrated through His preservation of the twelve tribes, despite their self-destructive tendencies. Even in this dark hour, the Lord ensures that Benjamin, a tribe through which future leaders (like King Saul) would emerge, is not utterly destroyed. This narrative, therefore, underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful, and implicitly points to the future need for a righteous king who would bring true order and peace to Israel, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 21:13, with its desperate plea for peace and reconciliation amidst the chaos of a broken covenant community, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Israelite congregation's belated desire for _shalom_ with Benjamin, aimed at restoring a fractured tribe, points forward to Christ as the true Peacemaker who brings ultimate _shalom_ to a humanity fractured by sin. He is the one who bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, making "peace through the blood of his cross" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Just as the congregation sought to gather the scattered remnant of Benjamin, Christ gathers a new people, His Church, from every tribe and nation, breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) and creating "one new man in himself, thus making peace" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Humanity")). The flawed human attempts at reconciliation in Judges highlight the profound need for a divine intervention, a perfect mediator who would not only call for peace but embody it. Jesus, through His atoning sacrifice, not only reconciled us to God but also empowers believers to be agents of reconciliation in a broken world, fulfilling the "ministry of reconciliation" ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - The Ministry of Reconciliation")) that God has entrusted to His Church.

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 20:47

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Deuteronomy 20:10

¶ When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace unto it.

Isaiah 57:19

I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to [him that is] far off, and to [him that is] near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.

Luke 10:5

And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace [be] to this house.

Joshua 15:32

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages:

Ephesians 2:17

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.