Judges 21:15

Context of Judges 21:15

Judges 21:15 marks a poignant moment at the conclusion of one of the darkest periods in Israel's early history, detailed in Judges chapters 19-21. This segment describes a horrific civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other eleven tribes of Israel. The conflict erupted after a Levite's concubine was brutally raped and murdered by men of Gibeah, a Benjaminite city (Judges 19:22). When Benjamin refused to surrender the culprits, the other tribes waged war, nearly annihilating Benjamin, leaving only 600 surviving men (Judges 20:47). The surrounding verses in Judges 21 describe the desperate measures taken by the remaining tribes to ensure Benjamin's survival and prevent the loss of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the profound regret and sorrow that followed their devastating actions.

Key Themes and Messages

• Profound Regret and Sorrow: The phrase "the people repented them for Benjamin" signifies deep remorse and sorrow over the catastrophic outcome of the civil war. It's a lament for the near extinction of an entire tribe, an integral part of God's chosen nation. This repentance is not necessarily a turning from sin in general, but a profound regret over the consequences of their actions and the devastating loss incurred.
• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The acknowledgement that "the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel" points to a theological understanding that even in the midst of human sin and conflict, God's hand was at work, allowing or orchestrating the consequences. This "breach" (Hebrew: peres, meaning a rupture or broken wall) emphasizes the severe damage inflicted upon the unity and completeness of Israel. It serves as a somber reminder that God holds nations accountable for their actions, even when those actions are carried out by His own people.
• Consequences of Disunity and Moral Decay: The entire narrative of Judges 19-21, culminating in this verse, vividly illustrates the dire consequences of a society where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The internal conflict, driven by sin, pride, and a lack of central moral authority, led to immense suffering and near self-destruction.
• Preservation of Israel's Identity: Despite the tragedy, the subsequent actions of the tribes (as detailed in Judges 21) demonstrate a strong desire to preserve the twelve-tribe structure, underscoring the importance of their tribal identity and the divine promise to Abraham regarding his descendants (Genesis 12:2).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "repented" here is nacham (נָחַם), which carries the sense of sighing, lamenting, or feeling deep sorrow and regret. It goes beyond a simple change of mind, indicating a profound emotional response to the tragic situation. The term "breach" (peres, פֶּרֶץ) powerfully conveys the idea of a tear or rupture, a gaping wound in the fabric of the Israelite nation, signifying a loss that was not just numerical but existential.

Practical Application

Judges 21:15 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for communities and individuals today. It reminds us that:

• Sin has devastating consequences: Unchecked sin, particularly within a community, can lead to widespread destruction and deep regret.
• The importance of unity: Disunity and internal conflict, even among those who share a common faith or purpose, can lead to immense loss and weaken the whole.
• Accountability and reflection: It's crucial for individuals and groups to reflect on the outcomes of their actions and acknowledge where they have fallen short, even if the "breach" was, in part, allowed by God's judgment. While the text speaks of God making the breach, it doesn't absolve human responsibility for the actions that led to it.
• Hope for restoration: Despite the immense loss, the subsequent efforts to restore Benjamin highlight a desire for healing and the preservation of God's people, even after severe judgment.