Judges 21:18

Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed [be] he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

Howbeit we may {H3201} not give {H5414} them wives {H802} of our daughters {H1323}: for the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} have sworn {H7650}, saying {H559}, Cursed {H779} be he that giveth {H5414} a wife {H802} to Benjamin {H1144}.

Yet we can't give them our daughters as wives." For the people of Isra'el had sworn, "Cursed be whoever gives a wife to Binyamin."

But we cannot give them our daughters as wives.” For the Israelites had sworn, “Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite.”

Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters, for the children of Israel had sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.

Commentary

Context of Judges 21:18

Judges 21:18 is found in the final, somber chapters of the Book of Judges, which depict a period of profound moral and social decline in ancient Israel. This specific verse highlights a grave dilemma faced by the Israelite tribes after a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The war, sparked by a horrific atrocity committed by Benjaminites in Gibeah (detailed in Judges 19), nearly annihilated Benjamin, leaving only 600 surviving men. In their initial fury and righteous indignation, the other tribes had sworn a solemn oath at Mizpah, declaring that none of them would give their daughters as wives to any man of Benjamin. This verse underscores the bind they were in: they regretted Benjamin's near extinction but were bound by their own rash vow.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Binding Nature of Oaths: This verse powerfully illustrates the sanctity and serious consequences of vows in ancient Israelite society. Even a vow made in the heat of battle or anger was considered binding before God. The tribes felt compelled to uphold their word, despite the dire implications for Benjamin's survival.
  • Consequences of Hasty Decisions: The dilemma faced by Israel is a direct result of a swift, emotional oath made without full consideration of long-term repercussions. Their initial righteous anger led to a situation where they had to find an unconventional and ethically complex solution to preserve a tribe of Israel.
  • Preservation of a Tribe: Despite the severity of Benjamin's crime and the subsequent war, the other tribes eventually recognized the importance of preserving one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This reflects a deeper understanding of national identity and God's covenant with all the tribes.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "have sworn" translates the Hebrew verb nishba'u (נִשְׁבְּעוּ), which denotes a solemn, binding oath, often made by invoking God's name. Such an oath was not to be taken lightly and carried significant weight in the Israelite legal and social system. The accompanying phrase, "Cursed be he," from the Hebrew 'arur (אָרוּר), is a strong declaration of divine judgment or displeasure upon anyone who would violate the oath. This underscores the profound gravity and perceived divine backing of their original vow.

Practical Application

Judges 21:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of careful consideration before making promises or commitments. While keeping one's word is a virtue, this passage highlights the potential for hasty or ill-conceived vows to lead to complex moral dilemmas. It encourages us to seek wisdom and discernment in our decisions, recognizing that our words have consequences. The story also subtly points to God's ultimate sovereignty and His ability to work even through human folly to preserve His purposes, as He ultimately allowed for the survival and re-establishment of Benjamin, albeit through unconventional means (see Judges 21:21).

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Cross-References

  • Judges 21:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.

  • Judges 11:35 (2 votes)

    And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.