Judges 21:6

Judges 21:6 captures a poignant moment of remorse and reflection after the devastating civil war between the eleven tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. Following a period of extreme violence and retribution, the surviving Israelites acknowledge the tragic consequences of their actions, realizing they have nearly extinguished one of the twelve foundational tribes of God's chosen people.

Context

This verse is situated at the harrowing conclusion of the Book of Judges, a period marked by moral decay and decentralized leadership, famously summarized by the phrase, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The preceding chapters detail a gruesome series of events:

• The horrific abuse and death of the Levite's concubine in Gibeah of Benjamin (Judges 19:22-30).
• The refusal of the Benjaminites to surrender the perpetrators, leading to a declaration of war by the other tribes (Judges 20:13).
• A brutal civil war that resulted in massive casualties on both sides, culminating in the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving (Judges 20:47-48).

Having fulfilled their vow to avenge the atrocity, the Israelites are now confronted with the grim reality: their zealous pursuit of justice has led them to the brink of losing a brother tribe, jeopardizing the very unity and completeness of the nation of Israel.

Key Themes

• Remorse and Regret: The phrase "repented them" indicates a profound change of heart, a deep sorrow and regret over the extreme measures taken. This is not necessarily a spiritual repentance towards God for their collective sins, but a human lament over the devastating outcome of their actions. They are grieving the loss of their kinsmen.
• The Value of Tribal Unity: Despite the fierce conflict, the realization that Benjamin is "their brother" underscores the foundational covenantal identity of Israel as twelve interconnected tribes descended from Jacob. The potential "cutting off" of one tribe is seen as a severe wound to the entire national body, impacting their identity and future.
• Consequences of Unchecked Anger: The narrative vividly illustrates how anger and a desire for vengeance, even when initially provoked by injustice, can escalate to catastrophic levels if not tempered by wisdom, mercy, and divine guidance. The Israelites' initial righteous indignation devolved into a near-genocidal act against their own kin.
• Preservation of God's People: Although not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent actions of the Israelites (seeking wives for the surviving Benjaminites, Judges 21:7ff) demonstrate a commitment to preserving the lineage and identity of all twelve tribes, reflecting God's overarching plan for His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "repented" is nacham (נחם), which carries the meaning of being sorry, grieved, or having compassion. It often describes a change of mind or feeling, specifically a feeling of regret or comfort. In this context, it highlights the deep emotional distress and sorrow felt by the Israelites over the near destruction of Benjamin, moving from a state of righteous anger to profound lament.

Practical Application

Judges 21:6 serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

• The Dangers of Collective Rage: It warns against allowing group anger or a thirst for retribution to override reason and compassion. Even when addressing clear injustices, the means of correction must be carefully weighed to avoid disproportionate and destructive outcomes.
• The Importance of Reconciliation: The verse implicitly calls for a move towards reconciliation and restoration after conflict. True justice should ultimately aim for healing and the preservation of relationships, rather than complete annihilation.
• Valuing Every Member: Whether in a family, community, or church, this passage reminds us of the inherent value of every individual and group. The loss of one part diminishes the whole, highlighting the biblical principle of interdependence within the body.

Reflection

This verse encapsulates the tragic cost of disunity and the profound sorrow that follows when a community turns on itself. The acknowledgment that "There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day" is a cry of anguish, a stark recognition of the damage done. It underscores the vital importance of brotherhood, the need for wisdom in judgment, and the sobering consequences when a nation, even in its pursuit of justice, loses sight of its shared identity and purpose.