Judges 21:15

KJV

And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the people {H5971} repented {H5162} them for Benjamin {H1144}, because that the LORD {H3068} had made {H6213} a breach {H6556} in the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people were still sorry for Binyamin because ADONAI had made a division among the tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that Jehovah had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:15 captures the profound collective sorrow and regret of the Israelite tribes concerning the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, acknowledging that this devastating "breach" in their national unity was ultimately orchestrated or permitted by the LORD. It marks a somber reflection on the catastrophic consequences of their internal conflict, highlighting the deep wound inflicted upon the twelve-tribe structure of Israel and the desperate need for restoration after a period of moral decay and civil war.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 21:15 stands at the poignant conclusion of one of the darkest and most violent narratives in the book of Judges, spanning chapters 19-21. This section details a horrific civil war that erupted after the brutal rape and murder of a Levite's concubine by men of Gibeah, a city belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. When Benjamin refused to surrender the culprits, the other eleven tribes of Israel united to wage war against them, resulting in a near-total genocide of the Benjaminite tribe, leaving only 600 surviving men (as recounted in [Judges 20:47](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Remnant of Benjamin")). The immediate verses leading up to Judges 21:15 describe the collective lament of the Israelites, who, after their victory, realized the grave implications of their actions: the potential loss of one of the twelve tribes, which would shatter the divinely ordained structure of Israel. The subsequent verses in Judges 21 detail the desperate and morally ambiguous measures taken by the remaining tribes to secure wives for the surviving Benjaminite men, thus ensuring the tribe's continuation, despite their earlier oath not to give their daughters to Benjamin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (c. 1375–1050 BC) was characterized by a decentralized tribal confederacy in Israel, often marked by internal strife and external oppression, precisely because "in those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (as stated in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Anarchy in Israel")). This era lacked a central governmental or spiritual authority capable of enforcing covenant law consistently, leading to widespread moral and spiritual decline. The concept of a "breach" (Hebrew: _peres_) was deeply significant in a society that valued unity and tribal integrity as foundational to its identity as God's chosen people, descendants of Jacob's twelve sons. The loss of a tribe was not merely a demographic concern but a theological crisis, threatening the very fabric of the covenant nation and its inheritance. The narrative reflects the cultural importance of tribal lineage, land inheritance, and the perpetuation of family lines.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 21:15 encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the book. Firstly, it underscores the **consequences of moral decay and anarchy**, vividly illustrating how unchecked sin and the absence of righteous leadership can lead to self-destruction and profound regret within a community, as seen in the events of [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite's Concubine"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine sovereignty and judgment**, as the people acknowledge that the "breach" was ultimately a result of the LORD's permissive will or direct judgment upon their actions, even amidst their own culpability. This indicates a theological understanding that God holds His people accountable. Thirdly, the verse points to the critical importance of **Israel's unity and identity** as a twelve-tribe nation, emphasizing the deep distress caused by the threat of Benjamin's extinction and the subsequent efforts to preserve the complete tribal structure, reflecting God's original covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "Genesis 12:2 - God's Promise to Abraham")). Finally, it conveys the theme of **profound sorrow and corporate repentance** (in the sense of regret) over the devastating outcomes of their actions, leading to a desperate desire for restoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repented (Hebrew, _nāḥam'_):** This verb carries a range of meanings, including "to sigh," "to lament," "to be sorry," "to regret," or "to comfort oneself." In this context, it signifies a deep, heartfelt sorrow and profound regret over the catastrophic outcome of the civil war. It is not necessarily a turning from sin in a moral sense but rather an intense emotional response to the devastating consequences of their actions and the near-extinction of an entire tribe. The people are lamenting the state of affairs, feeling a deep sense of pity and grief for Benjamin and for the brokenness of Israel.
* **breach (Hebrew, _pereṣ'_):** This noun literally means "a break," "a breach," "a gap," or "a rupture." It vividly describes a tearing or breaking apart, like a wall that has been broken down. In Judges 21:15, it metaphorically represents the severe wound, the gaping void, and the irreparable damage inflicted upon the unity, integrity, and completeness of the Israelite nation. It signifies a loss that was not merely numerical but existential, threatening the very fabric of their identity as the twelve tribes of God's covenant people. The acknowledgment that the LORD "made" this breach underscores a theological perspective that God allowed or orchestrated this rupture as a consequence of Israel's sin and disunity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the people repented them for Benjamin":** This clause highlights the collective emotional response of the remaining eleven tribes. After the brutal civil war, which they themselves initiated and prosecuted, they are overcome with profound sorrow and regret for the tribe of Benjamin. This "repentance" is a deep lament, a sighing over the near-total destruction of their brethren, indicating a realization of the horrific cost of their actions and the immense loss to the family of Israel.
* **"because that the LORD had made a breach":** This crucial theological statement attributes the ultimate cause of the devastation to divine agency. While human sin and violence were the immediate catalysts for the civil war, the Israelites understood that God had permitted or even actively brought about this "breach" as a judgment upon their collective moral decay and disunity. It acknowledges God's sovereignty even in the midst of human chaos and emphasizes that the consequences of their actions were not merely accidental but part of a divine reckoning.
* **"in the tribes of Israel":** This phrase specifies the scope and impact of the "breach." It was not just a localized conflict but a wound inflicted upon the entire national and covenantal body of Israel. The loss of a tribe threatened the very identity and completeness of God's chosen people, who were meant to be a unified nation composed of twelve distinct yet interconnected tribal units. The "breach" represented a fundamental disruption to the divine order and promise.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Pathos** is powerfully evoked, as the reader is invited to feel the deep sorrow and regret of the Israelite people over the near-extinction of Benjamin, a consequence of their own actions. This emotional resonance underscores the tragedy of the civil war. There is also a strong element of **Theological Statement**, as the text explicitly attributes the "breach" to the LORD. This is not merely a description of events but an interpretive commentary on divine judgment and sovereignty, framing the human tragedy within a larger theological framework. Furthermore, **Irony** is present: the very tribes who sought to uphold justice against Benjamin ended up nearly destroying one of their own, creating a far greater moral and existential crisis than the initial offense. The pursuit of justice, untempered by wisdom or mercy, led to a devastating outcome, highlighting the moral blindness that characterized the period of the Judges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:15 offers a somber reflection on the interconnectedness of sin, judgment, and the profound importance of unity within God's people. The "breach" in Israel serves as a stark reminder that corporate sin and disunity can lead to self-inflicted wounds that threaten the very existence and identity of a community. While the immediate cause was human violence and moral decay, the acknowledgment that "the LORD had made a breach" points to a deeper theological truth: God holds His people accountable, and sometimes, His judgment allows for the natural, devastating consequences of their rebellion to unfold. Yet, even in this profound sorrow, there is a glimmer of hope in the subsequent actions of the tribes to preserve Benjamin, demonstrating a desire for restoration and the recognition of their shared covenant identity, even after severe judgment.

* [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Anarchy and Moral Decay")
* [Psalm 106:40-43](/psalms/106-40 "Psalm 106:40-43 - Consequences of Disobedience and God's Pity")
* [1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - Suffering with the Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:15 serves as a timeless cautionary tale for communities and individuals today. It compels us to reflect on the devastating consequences of unchecked sin, particularly when it leads to internal conflict and disunity within a group, whether a family, a church, or a nation. The deep regret of the Israelites reminds us that even when we believe our actions are justified, the outcomes can be profoundly destructive, leading to a "breach" that wounds the collective body. It calls us to soberly consider our corporate responsibility, acknowledging that God's hand is at work even in allowing the consequences of our choices. True wisdom involves not only recognizing the damage but also seeking genuine reconciliation and restoration, striving to heal the divisions that threaten our shared identity and purpose. This verse challenges us to prioritize unity, humility, and a Spirit-led pursuit of justice that avoids self-destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we respond when our actions, even if initially perceived as righteous, lead to devastating consequences and deep regret within our community?**
* **What role does corporate lament or "repentance" (in the sense of profound sorrow) play in the healing process after significant division or conflict?**
* **How can we discern and acknowledge God's hand, even in difficult circumstances or judgments, without excusing human sin or abdicating our responsibility?**
* **What practical steps can we take to prevent "breaches" of unity and foster reconciliation within our own families, churches, or social groups today?**

### FAQ
**Why did the text state "the LORD had made a breach" when it was clearly the Israelites who fought the war? Does this absolve them of responsibility?**

Answer: This statement does not absolve the Israelites of their responsibility for the civil war, which was a direct result of their sin, moral decay, and violent actions. Instead, it reflects a profound theological understanding common in ancient Israel: that God is sovereign over all events, even human sin and its consequences. When the text says "the LORD had made a breach," it signifies that God, in His ultimate sovereignty and as a just judge, either permitted or ordained this devastating outcome as a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and internal strife. It's an acknowledgment that nothing happens outside of God's ultimate control or permissive will. This perspective emphasizes God's active involvement in the history of His people, using even their failures and judgments to achieve His larger purposes, which, in this case, included a severe lesson on the dangers of moral anarchy and disunity (as highlighted in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). It's a recognition of divine judgment, not an excuse for human culpability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "breach" in the tribes of Israel, lamented in Judges 21:15, vividly foreshadows the ultimate and most profound breach: the chasm of sin that separates humanity from God and divides humanity against itself. While the people of Israel sought to repair their tribal breach through desperate, human-contrived means, these efforts were imperfect and temporary. The true and lasting healing of the breach comes only through Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate King, unlike the chaotic period of the Judges where "every man did what was right in his own eyes," who brings perfect order, justice, and reconciliation. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Christ became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby repairing the fundamental breach between [God and humanity](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood"). Furthermore, Christ's work extends to healing the divisions among people, breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" (as described in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) between Jew and Gentile, and ultimately calling all believers into one unified body, the Church. In Him, the lament over a broken Israel finds its ultimate answer, as He gathers a people from every tribe and nation, making them [one new humanity](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - Creating One New Man in Christ"), bound together by His Spirit and united in His love, ensuring that no "breach" can ultimately separate those who are in Him.

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 21:6

And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

Judges 21:17

And they said, [There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.

1 Chronicles 15:13

For because ye [did it] not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

1 Chronicles 13:11

And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

Isaiah 30:13

Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.