Judges 21:17
*“They said, ‘There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe will not be blotted out from Israel.’”* (v.17)
In this passage, the Israelites, having fought a brutal civil war sparked by the grievous crime at Gibeah, come face-to-face with the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin. The horrific incident in Gibeah involved the abuse and death of a Levite’s concubine, resulting in a unified Israel taking up arms against Benjamin, nearly destroying an entire tribe in the process. Yet here, the surviving tribes realize the gravity of completely losing one of the twelve tribes; they speak these words to ensure that Benjamin will still have an inheritance and not vanish from among the people citeturn0file3.
*“There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin”* underscores the communal responsibility Israel bore toward every tribe. Even though the Benjamites had been severely judged for their role in the atrocity at Gibeah, the rest of Israel recognized that their covenant identity as one nation under God could not be fulfilled if an entire tribe ceased to exist. By seeking wives and property for the remaining Benjamites, they attempted to preserve the tribe’s lineage and fulfill God’s design for all the descendants of Jacob/Israel to remain intact.
This verse also highlights the Israelites’ deeper understanding that within God’s covenant community, restoration is possible beyond judgment. Though Benjamin had sinned grievously and suffered severe consequences, God’s grace and the people’s renewed concern opened a pathway to move forward, ultimately enabling the tribe’s survival and continuation in Israel’s story.
This verse reminds us that even in the face of deep brokenness, God’s people are called to preserve and restore one another, trusting that His plan for unity and redemption extends to every member of His covenant family.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Romans 2:17-21 meaning. Paul is pointing out the hypocrisy of those who teach the law but do not obey it.
- Judges 1:16-21 meaning. The descendants of the Kenite join the tribe of Judah in their territory. Despite the Lord’s presence, Judah fails to drive out the inhabitants of the valley, beginning to show the start of their failures. Caleb is given Hebron and drives out the Anakim, but the tribe of Benjamin also fails in their war efforts.
- Judges 4:17-22 meaning. This passage narrates the surprising and decisive role of a woman named Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, in the defeat of Sisera. After fleeing the battle, Sisera seeks refuge in Jael’s tent, where she deceptively offers him hospitality. However, once Sisera falls asleep, Jael takes initiative and marks her place in Israel’s redemptive history.