Judges 21:24

KJV

And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} departed {H1980} thence at that time {H6256}, every man {H376} to his tribe {H7626} and to his family {H4940}, and they went out {H3318} from thence every man {H376} to his inheritance {H5159}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The people of Isra'el then left that place, each man returned to his tribe and family, and each man went out from there to the land he had inherited.

Berean Standard Bible

And at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance.

American Standard Version

And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 21:24 marks the conclusion of a deeply tumultuous and morally compromised period in Israel's history, specifically the devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. This verse describes the return of the Israelite men to their respective tribes, families, and inherited lands, signifying a cessation of hostilities and a superficial re-establishment of societal order. However, it is not a testament to true peace or spiritual revival, but rather a fragile return to a fragmented existence, immediately preceding the book's stark concluding indictment of a nation without a king, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 21:24 serves as the penultimate verse of the entire book of Judges, bringing to a close the horrific narrative of chapters 19-21. These chapters chronicle a descent into moral depravity unparalleled in the book, beginning with the brutal rape and murder of a Levite's concubine in Gibeah, which ignites a near-annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin by the other Israelite tribes. The subsequent desperate and morally questionable measures to secure wives for the surviving Benjamite men—including the slaughter of Jabesh-Gilead and the abduction of women from Shiloh—underscore the profound breakdown of law, order, and covenant fidelity. This verse, therefore, represents the immediate aftermath of these traumatic events, the physical dispersal of the victorious (yet morally compromised) tribes, and sets the stage for the book's famous concluding statement in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel"). It signals a return to a semblance of normalcy, but one achieved through violence and compromise, highlighting the dire need for righteous leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges (roughly 14th-11th centuries BC) was characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, but with a general downward spiral in moral and spiritual integrity. Crucially, as highlighted by the repeated refrain in [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - No King in Israel") and [Judges 18:1](/judges/18-1 "Judges 18:1 - No King in Israel"), "In those days there was no king in Israel." This absence of a central, unifying, and righteous authority led to severe tribal fragmentation and a prevailing moral relativism where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Every Man Did What Was Right")). The concept of "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachalah*) was deeply significant in Israelite culture, representing the divinely allotted land given to each tribe and family as part of God's covenant with Abraham and Joshua's distribution ([Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Division of the Land")). Returning to one's inheritance was a re-anchoring to their identity, provision, and place within the covenant, even if the means of achieving it in this instance were deeply flawed.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 21:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative. First, it underscores the theme of **decentralization and the vacuum of authority**. The return of "every man to his tribe and to his family" highlights the fragmented nature of Israelite society without a unifying, righteous king, leading to internal conflict and moral chaos. This directly foreshadows the desperate need for a monarchy, as seen in [1 Samuel 8:5](/1_samuel/8-5 "1 Samuel 8:5 - Israel Demands a King"). Second, the emphasis on returning to one's "inheritance" points to the **enduring significance of God's covenant promises** regarding the land, even amidst human failure. Despite the profound moral decay, the land remained a foundational element of Israel's identity and divine provision. Third, the verse subtly highlights the **superficiality of the "peace" achieved**. While hostilities cease, the underlying moral and spiritual issues remain unresolved, setting the stage for the book's final, damning verdict on a people who had abandoned God's law and leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Departed (Hebrew, _halak'_):** The verb הָלַךְ (*halak*) means "to go," "to walk," or "to depart." In this context, it signifies a physical movement away from the gathering point of the tribes (likely Mizpah or Bethel, where the assembly against Benjamin took place) back to their respective homes. While seemingly neutral, the act of "departing" here carries a heavy undertone: it is a dispersal not of triumph and unity, but of exhaustion and a forced, morally compromised return to a fractured existence, a retreat from the collective responsibility that Israel had so tragically failed to uphold.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachalah'_):** The noun נַחֲלָה (*nachalah*) refers to an "inheritance," "possession," or "allotment." This term is profoundly significant in Israelite theology, as it denotes the portion of the Promised Land that God divinely allotted to each tribe and family through Joshua ([Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Land East of Jordan Divided")). It was not merely property but a sacred trust, a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and provision. The return to their *nachalah* signifies a re-establishment of their foundational identity and connection to God's original design for their settlement, even after the profound disruptions of the civil war and the morally dubious means by which some of the Benjamites secured their own "inheritance" of wives.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of Israel departed thence at that time":** This clause establishes the immediate action and temporal setting. "Thence" refers to the place where the Israelite assembly had gathered to deal with the Benjamite crisis (likely Mizpah or Bethel, as mentioned in [Judges 20:1](/judges/20-1 "Judges 20:1 - The Assembly at Mizpah")). "At that time" emphasizes the conclusion of the specific, horrific events of the civil war and the subsequent actions to secure wives for the surviving Benjamites. It marks a definitive end to the collective tribal action, signaling a return to individual and tribal concerns.
* **"every man to his tribe and to his family":** This phrase underscores the fragmented nature of Israelite society during the Judges period. Rather than a unified nation under a central authority, the primary allegiance was to one's immediate tribal and familial unit. The repetition of "every man" highlights the individualistic and decentralized character of their return. It suggests a retreat into insular tribal identities, a symptom of the lack of overarching national cohesion and leadership that plagued Israel.
* **"and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance":** This reiterates the dispersal and emphasizes the ultimate destination: their divinely allotted land. The return to their "inheritance" (their *nachalah*) was a fundamental aspect of Israelite identity and sustenance. While it signifies a re-anchoring to their roots and God's original design for their settlement, the context of the preceding chapters casts a shadow over this return. It is a return to a physical place, but not necessarily to spiritual health or covenant faithfulness. The land, a symbol of God's blessing, is now inhabited by a people deeply scarred by their own moral failures.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, with the phrase "every man" appearing twice, emphasizing the individualistic and decentralized nature of the Israelite return, highlighting the absence of a unifying national purpose or leadership. The phrase "from thence" also repeats, reinforcing the idea of a departure from the site of collective (and often misguided) action. There is a strong element of **Irony** present; while the verse describes a return to order and a physical re-establishment, the preceding chapters make it clear that this "order" is superficial. The nation is morally bankrupt, and the peace is a fragile cessation of hostilities rather than a true spiritual reconciliation. Finally, the verse functions as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the explicit declaration in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel") that the core problem was the absence of a king. The dispersal of "every man to his tribe and to his family" visually represents the fragmentation that a righteous king would eventually be called to overcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 21:24 stands as a poignant commentary on the consequences of a society that has abandoned divine truth and righteous leadership. It illustrates the profound theological truth that true peace and societal stability are not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, moral integrity, and adherence to God's covenant. The return to their physical inheritances, while necessary for survival, does not signify spiritual restoration. Instead, it highlights the deep spiritual and moral wounds that festered in Israel due to their rejection of God's ways and their repeated failure to obey His commands. The verse implicitly cries out for a king, not just any king, but a righteous king who would lead the people in faithfulness to God, establishing true justice and unity. This longing for a king, born out of chaos, points forward to God's ultimate provision of a perfect King.

* [Deuteronomy 19:14](/deuteronomy/19-14 "Deuteronomy 19:14 - Do Not Move Your Neighbor's Landmark")
* [1 Samuel 8:7](/1_samuel/8-7 "1 Samuel 8:7 - God Rejected as King")
* [Proverbs 29:18](/proverbs/29-18 "Proverbs 29:18 - Where There Is No Vision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 21:24, though describing a physical return home, offers a sober reflection on the spiritual state of Israel and provides timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that outward order does not necessarily equate to inward peace or spiritual health. The return to "tribe and family" and "inheritance" without a corresponding return to God's covenant principles reveals a society that, despite its physical re-establishment, remained morally adrift. This serves as a powerful cautionary tale: when individuals and communities lack a central, unifying moral authority—God's Word and His Spirit—chaos, moral relativism, and destructive behaviors inevitably follow. For us, this means that true stability and flourishing come not from merely avoiding conflict or returning to old routines, but from continually re-anchoring ourselves to the foundational truths of God's Word and submitting to the righteous leadership of Christ. In times of societal upheaval or personal uncertainty, our "inheritance" is found not in earthly possessions, but in our identity in Christ and the eternal promises of God, which provide true peace and guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does this verse reveal about the difference between superficial order and true peace in a community or nation?**
* **How does the emphasis on "every man to his tribe and to his family" challenge our understanding of unity and individualism within the church today?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Israelites, attempt to return to "normalcy" without addressing deeper spiritual or moral issues?**
* **How can we ensure that our "inheritance" in Christ guides our actions and decisions, especially when faced with societal pressures or moral dilemmas?**

### FAQ
**Does Judges 21:24 signify a positive resolution for Israel after the civil war?**

Answer: While Judges 21:24 describes a cessation of hostilities and a physical return to their homes and lands, it does not signify a truly positive or spiritually resolved outcome for Israel. The verse marks a return to a fragmented, decentralized existence, not a unified, righteous nation. The preceding chapters detail horrific moral compromises and violence, and the immediate follow-up in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel") explicitly states the core problem: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." This indicates that the underlying spiritual and moral issues remained unaddressed, making the "peace" a fragile and superficial one, born out of exhaustion rather than repentance or true reconciliation with God.

**How does the concept of "inheritance" in this verse relate to God's covenant promises?**

Answer: The "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachalah*) refers to the divinely allotted land in Canaan that each Israelite tribe and family received as part of God's covenant with Abraham and His faithfulness through Joshua's distribution ([Joshua 14:1-5](/joshua/14-1 "Joshua 14:1-5 - Division of the Land")). This land was not merely property; it was a foundational element of their identity, sustenance, and place within the covenant. The return to their *nachalah* in Judges 21:24 signifies a re-anchoring to God's original design for their settlement. However, the context shows that while the physical promise of land remained, the people had largely failed in their covenant responsibilities, demonstrating that even God's good gifts can be tainted by human sin and disobedience. It highlights the tension between God's steadfast promises and humanity's persistent failure to live up to the covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaos and fragmentation depicted in Judges 21:24, with "every man" returning to his own sphere because "there was no king in Israel," powerfully foreshadow the desperate need for a true and righteous King. The book of Judges, culminating in such moral depravity, implicitly cries out for a deliverer who is more than a temporary judge—a leader who can truly unite, guide, and redeem His people. This longing finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Unlike the temporary and flawed judges or the later earthly kings of Israel, Jesus does not merely bring a superficial cessation of hostilities but offers true and lasting peace, reconciling humanity to God through His atoning sacrifice ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the true Shepherd who gathers His scattered sheep into one flock ([John 10:16](/john/10-16 "John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd")). In Christ, believers receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope, An Imperishable Inheritance")), far surpassing the earthly land allotments. He is the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, establishing a kingdom not of this world, where justice and righteousness truly reign ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom Is Not of This World")). Through Him, we are no longer left to do "what is right in our own eyes," but are guided by His perfect law and indwelling Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled")).

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.