Judges 21:7

How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

How shall we do {H6213} for wives {H802} for them that remain {H3498}, seeing we have sworn {H7650} by the LORD {H3068} that we will not give {H5414} them of our daughters {H1323} to wives {H802}?

How are we going to obtain wives for those who remain alive, since we've sworn by ADONAI that we won't let our daughters marry them?"

What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?”

How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by Jehovah that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?

Commentary

Judges 21:7 (KJV) captures a desperate plea from the leaders of Israel after a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The verse reads, "How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?" It highlights a profound moral and logistical dilemma faced by the Israelites, revealing the complex consequences of their actions and oaths.

Context of Judges 21:7

This verse is situated at the climax of one of the most tragic episodes in Israel's history, recorded in the final chapters of the Book of Judges. Following a horrific crime in Gibeah (Judges 19) and the subsequent refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to surrender the perpetrators, the other eleven tribes of Israel waged a brutal civil war against Benjamin (Judges 20). The conflict nearly annihilated Benjamin, leaving only 600 men alive. In their initial rage and sorrow, the Israelite assembly had made a solemn oath, "We will not give any of our daughters unto Benjamin to wife" (Judges 21:1). Verse 7 expresses their collective anguish and bewilderment as they realize the consequence of their rash vow: how can the tribe of Benjamin survive and be preserved if they cannot marry within Israel?

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Peril of Rash Oaths: The primary theme is the severe and unintended consequences of making solemn vows without full consideration. The Israelites’ oath, though made in righteous indignation, painted them into a corner, threatening the very existence of one of God's chosen tribes. This underscores the biblical teaching on the seriousness of vows before the LORD.
  • Preservation of Tribal Identity: Despite Benjamin's grievous sin, the other tribes lamented the near-extinction of a fellow tribe. This reveals a deep-seated commitment to the covenantal structure of Israel, where each tribe played a vital role in the nation's identity and inheritance. The preservation of all twelve tribes was considered crucial for the fulfillment of God's promises.
  • Moral Dilemma and Desperation: The verse powerfully conveys the leaders' desperation. They are caught between a binding oath to the LORD and the impending annihilation of a tribe. Their question, "How shall we do for wives...?" is a cry for a solution to an seemingly impossible ethical and practical problem.
  • Lack of Central Authority: This entire tragic narrative, including the dilemma in Judges 21:7, is framed by the recurring refrain in Judges: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This absence of righteous leadership contributed to both the initial sin and the flawed, human-devised solutions that followed.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sworn by the LORD" (Hebrew: nishba'u Yahweh) emphasizes the sacred and binding nature of their vow. It was not a casual promise but an oath taken before God, making its violation a serious offense. This deepens their dilemma, as they cannot simply break their word without incurring divine displeasure.

Practical Application

Judges 21:7 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Consider Before You Vow: Be cautious and prayerful before making solemn promises, especially those involving God. As Ecclesiastes 5:5 states, "Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay."
  • The Ripple Effect of Sin: The story illustrates how one act of wickedness (Gibeah) can lead to widespread devastation, civil war, and complex moral dilemmas for an entire community.
  • Seeking Wisdom in Crisis: The leaders' struggle highlights the need for wise and discerning leadership, especially when faced with crises that pit seemingly conflicting principles against each other. It calls for a reliance on God's wisdom, not just human ingenuity.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 21:1 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 14:45 (2 votes)

    And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jonathan die, who hath wrought this great salvation in Israel? God forbid: [as] the LORD liveth, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground; for he hath wrought with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that he died not.

  • Judges 21:18 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 14:28 (2 votes)

    Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food this day. And the people were faint.

  • 1 Samuel 14:29 (2 votes)

    Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.