Judges 21:13

The verse says, *“Then the whole congregation sent word and spoke to the sons of Benjamin who were at the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace to them.” (v.13)* This statement begins by noting that “the whole congregation,” referring to all the other Israelite tribes, reached out to the remnant of Benjamin. After the brutal civil conflict described previously in Judges, the tribe of Benjamin had been nearly wiped out. Those who survived the battle fled to “the rock of Rimmon,” a rugged refuge in the territory of Benjamin located northeast of Jerusalem. This period took place around the time of the Judges, roughly between 1375 to 1050 BC. Only a handful of Benjamite warriors had escaped to this secluded area, spending four months in isolation (Judges 20:47, NASB-95). By sending a message of peace, the Israelites displayed a desire to restore unity within God’s covenant people.

When the verse says, *“spoke to the sons of Benjamin,” (v.13)* it shows that a dialogue had been initiated, following a period of great animosity and bloodshed. Having recognized their own harsh actions during the conflict, the other tribes sought reconciliation. The location, “the rock of Rimmon,” was a naturally defensible formation, giving the Benjamites both a literal and metaphorical fortress in their desperation. Through this outreach, the assembly demonstrates that early Israel understood the importance of restoring relationships and not allowing bitterness to persist indefinitely. Their sorrow for the near annihilation of Benjamin led them to proclaim peace. In the overarching biblical narrative, this movement from near-annihilation toward reconciliation mirrors God’s heart for restoring His people, a theme that carries forward into the New Testament (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, NASB-95), where Jesus is central in reconciling humanity to Himself.

The phrase, *“proclaimed peace to them,” (v.13)* signifies a deliberate step toward healing, reflecting Israel’s recognition of their joint identity under the covenant. While the Benjamites were still wary of their neighbors, the congregation’s proactive message illustrates hope and the potential for unity after devastating conflict. In biblical history, this account foreshadows the ultimate peace that God intends among His people—a peace fully realized through concord in Christ. Here in Judges, the immediate context teaches us about corporate responsibility, the power of a collective decision to end hostilities, and the crucial role of seeking peace rather than living in strife.

All of Israel took a significant step to reconcile with the few remaining men of Benjamin, restoring the chance for unity they nearly destroyed through warfare.