Judges 21:15 - Wives for the Benjamites

Audio Bible

Context

Wives for the Benjamites
…14And at that time the Benjamites returned and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough women for all of them. 15The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel. 16Then the elders of the congregation said, “What should we do about wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?”…

Cross References

Genesis 6:6
And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.1 Samuel 15:35
And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.2 Samuel 24:16
But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.Jonah 3:10
When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.Matthew 9:36
When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.Luke 19:41-44
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...Hosea 11:8
How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!Jeremiah 31:20
Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.Isaiah 63:9
In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.Lamentations 3:33
For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.Ezekiel 18:23
Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.Romans 9:2
I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.Psalm 106:45
And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.

Judges 21:6,17
And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day…

a breach

1 Chronicles 13:11
And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.

1 Chronicles 15:13
For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.

Isaiah 30:13
Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.

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Judges 21

The people grieved for Benjamin
The Israelites mourned for the tribe of Benjamin, recognizing the near extinction of one of their own tribes. This grief reflects the deep familial and covenantal bonds within the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was nearly annihilated due to a civil war sparked by the grievous sin in Gibeah (Judges 19-20). The mourning indicates a realization of the severity of their actions and the loss of a brotherly tribe. This grief can be compared to the mourning over lost unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:26, where if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.

because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel
The phrase acknowledges divine sovereignty in the events that transpired. The "void" or gap in the tribes signifies the absence of Benjamin, highlighting the consequences of sin and disobedience. This void serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the dangers of internal strife. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God allows certain events to unfold as a means of discipline or to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Romans 8:28. The void also foreshadows the need for restoration and reconciliation, themes central to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who came to restore what was lost and to reconcile humanity to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who had gathered to address the issue of the tribe of Benjamin after the civil war.

2. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to the conflict arising from the incident at Gibeah.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is acknowledged as having allowed the void or gap in the tribes.

4. Mizpah
The place where the Israelites had gathered to discuss the fate of Benjamin and seek a solution.

5. The Civil War
The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, resulting in significant loss and the near extinction of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

Grief and Compassion
The Israelites' grief for Benjamin highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, even towards those who have erred. We are called to mourn with those who mourn and seek restoration.

Divine Sovereignty
The acknowledgment that "the LORD had made a void" reminds us of God's sovereignty. Even in judgment, God has a purpose and plan for restoration.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites' collective response to the crisis shows the importance of community responsibility. We are accountable for one another's well-being and must work towards healing and unity.

Repentance and Restoration
The situation with Benjamin underscores the need for repentance and the hope of restoration. God desires to restore what is broken when we turn back to Him.

Hope in Desolation
Despite the void, there is hope. God's plans are redemptive, and He can bring life and purpose out of desolation.

(15) The Lord had made a breach.--The breach (perets, 1Kings 11:24) had been caused by their own headstrong fury and unreasoning passion, even though it had been in a righteous cause; but in the Hebrew conception the results even of man's sin and follies is referred to Jehovah as overruled by Him (Amos 3:6; Isaiah 45:7). It was therefore needless, and not quite honest of St. Jerome in the Vulg., to omit "the Lord."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The people
וְהָעָ֥ם (wə·hā·‘ām)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

grieved
נִחָ֖ם (ni·ḥām)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge

for Benjamin,
לְבִנְיָמִ֑ן (lə·ḇin·yā·min)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1144: Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the LORD
יְהוָ֛ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

had made
עָשָׂ֧ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a void
פֶּ֖רֶץ (pe·reṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6556: A bursting forth, breach

in the tribes
בְּשִׁבְטֵ֥י (bə·šiḇ·ṭê)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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Judges 21:15 Catholic BibleOT History: Judges 21:15 The people grieved for Benjamin because that (Jd Judg. Jdg)