Judges 21:16

KJV

¶ Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the elders {H2205} of the congregation {H5712} said {H559}, How shall we do {H6213} for wives {H802} for them that remain {H3498}, seeing the women {H802} are destroyed {H8045} out of Benjamin {H1144}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The leaders of the assembly asked, "What are we to do for those who still don't have wives, inasmuch as all the women of Binyamin have been killed?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the elders of the congregation said, “What should we do about wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?”

American Standard Version

Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:16 captures a moment of profound desperation and moral dilemma for the Israelite elders following a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. With nearly all Benjaminite women annihilated and the other tribes bound by a solemn oath not to give their daughters in marriage, the elders grapple with the existential question of how to secure the future and continuity of Benjamin, highlighting the dire consequences of unchecked sin and inter-tribal strife within God's covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The book of Judges concludes with a descent into moral and social chaos, famously summarized by the refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). Judges chapters 19-21 form an epilogue, detailing a horrific sequence of events: the Levite's concubine, the subsequent civil war against Benjamin, and the near-annihilation of the tribe. Judges 21:16 specifically follows the initial stages of the elders' attempts to rectify the situation, having already secured 400 wives from Jabesh-Gilead ([Judges 21:12](/judges/21-12 "Judges 21:12 - Wives from Jabesh-Gilead")), but still facing a deficit for the remaining 200 men. This verse sets the stage for the morally ambiguous solution proposed in the subsequent verses, underscoring the deep crisis of leadership and ethics within Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 1200-1000 BC) was characterized by a loose confederation of tribes, lacking centralized political or spiritual authority. Inter-tribal relations, while generally cooperative, could erupt into violent conflict, as seen in this narrative. The importance of tribal continuity and lineage was paramount in ancient Israel, as tribal identity was tied to land inheritance, covenant promises, and the overall structure of the nation. The custom of marriage was essential for this continuity, and oaths, once made, were considered sacred and binding, even when they led to unforeseen and tragic consequences. The elders' dilemma reflects the tension between a binding oath and the perceived necessity of preserving a tribe, a fundamental unit of Israel's identity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the devastating [consequences of sin](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride and Destruction") and internal strife within God's people. The initial heinous crime in [Gibeah of Benjamin](/judges/19-22 "Judges 19:22 - The Wicked Men of Gibeah") escalated into a full-scale civil war that nearly extinguished an entire tribe, reducing it to a mere [600 surviving men](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Remnant of Benjamin"). The elders' desperate question highlights the critical theme of the [preservation of the tribes](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Blessings and the Future of the Tribes"), emphasizing the biblical importance of lineage, tribal identity, and the continuity of God's covenant people. Furthermore, it underscores the complex challenges of [leadership in crisis](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13 - Moses Judging the People"), as the elders grapple with an impossible situation, burdened by responsibility to find a solution that balances divine law, human oaths, and the pragmatic need for survival. The oath made at [Mizpah](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - The Oath at Mizpah") becomes a central point of tension, forcing the community into morally ambiguous choices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elders (Hebrew, _zəqēnîm'_):** These were the respected, typically older, leaders of the community or congregation. In ancient Israel, elders held significant judicial, administrative, and spiritual authority, responsible for guiding the people and making crucial decisions. Their collective voice here underscores the gravity of the situation and the communal burden of finding a solution to an existential threat.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _kārath'_):** The Hebrew verb _kārath_ (often translated "cut off," "cut down," or "destroy") here signifies a complete annihilation or excision. In this context, it emphasizes the devastating reality that the female population of Benjamin was utterly wiped out during the civil war, leaving no women for the surviving men to marry. This word conveys the finality and severity of the judgment that fell upon Benjamin, creating an existential crisis for the tribe's continuation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the elders of the congregation said,"**: This phrase establishes the authoritative voice and collective concern of Israel's leadership. The "congregation" (קָהָל, _qāhāl_) refers to the assembled community of Israel, indicating that this was a matter of national importance and shared responsibility. Their statement is not a casual remark but a formal declaration of a severe problem.
* **"How shall we do for wives for them that remain,"**: This is the core question, revealing the desperate dilemma. The elders acknowledge the survival of a "remnant" (נִשְׁאָרִים, _nish'ārîm_) of Benjaminite men, but immediately recognize the critical obstacle to their future: the absence of wives. This highlights the foundational importance of marriage and procreation for tribal and national continuity in ancient Israel.
* **"seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?"**: This clause provides the devastating rationale for the elders' predicament. The complete eradication of Benjaminite women during the war, coupled with the oath taken by the other tribes not to give their daughters to Benjamin, created an impossible situation. It underscores the tragic and far-reaching consequences of the preceding conflict, pushing the leaders to consider extreme measures.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Irony** and **Tragedy** to underscore the profound moral crisis. The irony lies in the fact that the very tribes who nearly annihilated Benjamin, driven by a desire for justice, are now compelled to ensure its survival, directly contradicting their solemn oath. This highlights the self-inflicted wounds of a community acting without divine guidance. The pervasive **Tragedy** is evident in the complete destruction of the Benjaminite women, a direct consequence of the unchecked violence and moral decay described throughout Judges. The elders' desperate question serves as a poignant **Rhetorical Question**, emphasizing the seemingly insurmountable nature of their problem and forcing the reader to confront the dire consequences of Israel's spiritual decline. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, as this desperate attempt to preserve a tribe points to the need for a king and a more stable, divinely-guided order, which the book of Judges ultimately advocates.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:16 presents a stark picture of a people grappling with the devastating fallout of sin and inter-communal violence, revealing the fragility of Israel's tribal structure when divine order is neglected. The elders' desperate search for wives for the remnant of Benjamin underscores the biblical emphasis on the importance of family, lineage, and the continuation of God's covenant people. Despite their own culpability in the near-annihilation of Benjamin, their concern for the tribe's survival reflects a deeper understanding of God's overarching plan for the twelve tribes of Israel. This passage serves as a grim reminder that human oaths, even when made with righteous intent, can lead to unforeseen and morally compromising situations when not tempered by wisdom and a holistic view of God's will. The narrative implicitly critiques the "doing what was right in one's own eyes" mentality, showing its catastrophic consequences.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Romans 11:1-5](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1-5 - God Has Not Rejected Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:16 confronts us with the profound and often unforeseen consequences of unchecked sin and internal strife within a community. It serves as a powerful cautionary tale for families, churches, and nations, reminding us that division and moral compromise can lead to catastrophic outcomes, even forcing leaders into morally ambiguous choices to rectify self-inflicted wounds. The elders' struggle to preserve the tribe of Benjamin, despite their solemn oath and their role in the tribe's near destruction, calls us to reflect on our own responsibilities in maintaining unity and seeking reconciliation. It highlights the importance of wise, Spirit-led leadership that prioritizes the long-term health and continuity of the community, even when faced with seemingly impossible dilemmas. This passage challenges us to consider how our actions, individually and corporately, contribute to either the flourishing or the fracturing of the body of Christ, and the desperate need for divine wisdom when human solutions prove inadequate or lead to further compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the long-term consequences of unaddressed sin and division within our communities today?**
* **How do we balance the sanctity of commitments (oaths, promises) with the need for compassion and the preservation of life/community?**
* **In what ways might we, like the elders, be forced to make difficult or morally ambiguous choices due to past failures or a lack of clear divine guidance?**
* **How does the narrative of Judges 21:16 underscore the critical need for wise and godly leadership in times of crisis?**

### FAQ

**Why were the women of Benjamin "destroyed"?**

Answer: The women of Benjamin were "destroyed" (annihilated) as a direct consequence of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. This war was ignited by the horrific crime committed by Benjaminites in [Gibeah](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine"), which led the other tribes to wage war against Benjamin. In their zeal to punish the wickedness and in the brutality of ancient warfare, the Israelite confederation effectively wiped out the Benjaminite population, including women and children, with the exception of [600 men who escaped](/judges/20-47 "Judges 20:47 - The Remnant of Benjamin") to the rock of Rimmon. This extreme measure was part of the collective punishment for the egregious sin and Benjamin's refusal to surrender the perpetrators.

**What was the "oath" that complicated the elders' search for wives?**

Answer: The oath was a solemn vow made by the Israelites at [Mizpah](/judges/21-1 "Judges 21:1 - The Oath at Mizpah") before the war against Benjamin, stating, "There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife." This oath was likely made in the heat of righteous indignation and grief over the atrocity in Gibeah and the subsequent Benjaminite defiance. While intended to prevent any future association or legitimization of the offending tribe, it created an unforeseen and profound dilemma once the war was over and the Israelites realized they had nearly extinguished an entire tribe of Israel, violating God's broader covenant plan for the twelve tribes. The elders were then faced with the impossible task of preserving Benjamin without breaking their sacred oath.

**Does this passage condone the actions taken to secure wives for Benjamin?**

Answer: The Book of Judges, particularly its concluding chapters, is a descriptive rather than prescriptive text. It vividly portrays the moral and spiritual decline of Israel when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). While the elders' concern for the preservation of a tribe of Israel was commendable, the methods employed (e.g., the slaughter of Jabesh-Gilead's inhabitants to secure wives, and the abduction of women from Shiloh) highlight the desperate and morally compromised state of the nation. The narrative does not condone these actions but rather exposes the tragic consequences of a society that has lost its moral compass and divine guidance, resorting to pragmatic and often violent solutions to self-inflicted problems. It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of operating outside God's revealed will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate situation in Judges 21:16, where the elders grapple with the near extinction of a tribe due to sin and human-made oaths, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate solution found in Christ. The inability of Israel to fully restore itself, even through desperate and morally ambiguous means, points to humanity's inherent need for a divine intervention to reconcile and redeem. Just as the elders sought to preserve a remnant of Benjamin, God, in His ultimate wisdom and grace, preserved a remnant of Israel and, through Christ, established a new covenant that transcends tribal and national boundaries. Jesus, the [true Israel](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Abraham's Seed is Christ"), becomes the means by which all who believe, Jew and Gentile, are brought into a new spiritual family, the Church, His [bride](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ Loved the Church as His Bride"). He is the one who reconciles those who were "cut off" by sin, not through human schemes or violence, but through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, uniting all believers into [one body](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"). The desperate search for wives to ensure the continuity of a physical tribe finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who ensures the eternal continuity of His spiritual family, the Church, by making us [co-heirs with Him](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ") and giving us [new life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") that transcends earthly lineage and human failures. He is the ultimate solution to humanity's brokenness and division, bringing true peace and unity where human efforts only produced chaos.

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.