Judges 21:17

Context of Judges 21:17

Judges 21:17 is found at the very end of the book of Judges, concluding one of the most tragic and morally complex narratives in the Old Testament. The preceding chapters (Judges 19-20) detail a horrific civil war initiated by the outrage of the Levite's concubine and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators. This conflict resulted in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving.

The Israelites, having sworn a solemn oath at Mizpah not to give their daughters to Benjamin, found themselves in a desperate dilemma. They realized that their actions, though rooted in justice for a heinous crime, had inadvertently led to the potential extinction of one of Israel's twelve tribes. This verse reflects the collective anguish and the urgent desire of the other tribes to find a solution to preserve Benjamin's lineage and their place within the covenant community.

Key Themes and Messages

• Preservation of the Tribes: The primary concern expressed in this verse is the survival of the tribe of Benjamin. The idea of a tribe being "destroyed out of Israel" was unthinkable, as it would diminish the complete identity of God's chosen people and threaten the structure established since the time of Jacob's sons.
• The Importance of Inheritance: The phrase "an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin" underscores the vital role of land and lineage in Israelite society. An inheritance (Hebrew: nachalah) was not merely property; it represented identity, a connection to the covenant land, and a future within the nation. Without an inheritance, the surviving Benjamites would have no place or means to rebuild their tribe.
• Consequences of Rash Vows and Sin: This entire narrative highlights the devastating ripple effects of sin and the complexities arising from human vows made without full foresight. The initial wickedness (Judges 19) led to extreme retaliation, which then necessitated extraordinary measures to correct the unintended consequences.
• Human Attempts at Rectification: Despite the moral chaos of the era, the Israelites recognized the dire situation and sought a way to rectify their actions and honor God's design for Israel's twelve tribes, even if it involved morally questionable solutions like the abduction of women from Jabesh-Gilead and Shiloh (Judges 21:10-23).

Linguistic Insights

The word "inheritance" in Hebrew is nachalah (נַחֲלָה), which signifies a possession, a heritage, or an allotted portion, especially land. It was fundamental to the identity and economic stability of each tribe within Israel. The concern that a tribe "be not destroyed" (from the Hebrew root שָׁמַד, shamad, meaning to annihilate or utterly destroy) emphasizes the existential threat posed to Benjamin.

Practical Application

Judges 21:17, while reflecting a dark period in Israel's history, offers several enduring lessons:

• The Value of Every Member: It teaches the importance of preserving every part of a community, recognizing that the loss of even one segment diminishes the whole. This can be applied to families, churches, or any group.
• Addressing Consequences: The verse highlights the necessity of facing the unintended, negative consequences of our actions, even when those actions were initially justified. Wisdom involves foreseeing outcomes and seeking righteous, restorative solutions.
• The Need for Godly Leadership: The entire book of Judges, culminating in this account, is a stark reminder of the chaotic period where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," leading to moral decay and extreme measures. It underscores the critical need for godly leadership and adherence to divine law to prevent societal breakdown.
• Hope for Restoration: Despite grave errors and immense suffering, there is a drive to restore and preserve. This reflects a divine principle of not wanting any to perish, and even in human failure, there's a desire for life and continuity.