This verse shows how the Israelites tried to protect the tribe of Benjamin without violating their earlier vows.
The verse says, “And it shall come about when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, that we shall say to them, ‘Give them to us voluntarily, because we did not take for each man of Benjamin a wife in battle, nor did you give them to them, else you would now be guilty.’” (v.22) This statement follows the concern that the tribe of Benjamin, after being nearly destroyed, needed wives for its remaining men (Judges 21:1-14). By instructing the other tribes to offer these women “voluntarily,” the Israelites sought a way to avoid further guilt, since forcing such unions outright would violate earlier vows (Judges 21:1). The plea shows how Israel tried to find a loophole in promises they had made, balancing their vow before the Lord with the desperate need to preserve the tribe of Benjamin.
In the broader narrative of Judges, these events take place toward the end of a tumultuous period (circa 1375-1050 BC) where Israel is frequently described as doing what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). The specific context is set near Shiloh, which was in the territory of Ephraim and served as a significant religious center, housing the tabernacle at various points. This place, located about 16 miles north of Jerusalem, became central in the story as the Benjaminites took advantage of festivities there to secure wives for themselves (Judges 21:19-21). The situation reflects Israel’s struggle to maintain tribal unity and identity during a time of societal upheaval.
Spiritually, “Give them to us voluntarily” (v.22) underscores how human attempts to fix broken circumstances often lead to moral compromises, highlighting Israel’s inclination to rely on their own solutions apart from total trust in God’s ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the broader biblical story, God’s plan for redemption finds its ultimate answer and unity in Christ, where believers are urged to trust Him fully rather than seeking to manipulate loopholes (Ephesians 2:14-16). Although this verse specifically addresses a historical dilemma, it echoes humanity’s repeated need for deliverance and direction, ultimately pointing to a greater hope fulfilled in Jesus.
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Judges 21:22 meaning
The verse says, “And it shall come about when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, that we shall say to them, ‘Give them to us voluntarily, because we did not take for each man of Benjamin a wife in battle, nor did you give them to them, else you would now be guilty.’” (v.22) This statement follows the concern that the tribe of Benjamin, after being nearly destroyed, needed wives for its remaining men (Judges 21:1-14). By instructing the other tribes to offer these women “voluntarily,” the Israelites sought a way to avoid further guilt, since forcing such unions outright would violate earlier vows (Judges 21:1). The plea shows how Israel tried to find a loophole in promises they had made, balancing their vow before the Lord with the desperate need to preserve the tribe of Benjamin.
In the broader narrative of Judges, these events take place toward the end of a tumultuous period (circa 1375-1050 BC) where Israel is frequently described as doing what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25). The specific context is set near Shiloh, which was in the territory of Ephraim and served as a significant religious center, housing the tabernacle at various points. This place, located about 16 miles north of Jerusalem, became central in the story as the Benjaminites took advantage of festivities there to secure wives for themselves (Judges 21:19-21). The situation reflects Israel’s struggle to maintain tribal unity and identity during a time of societal upheaval.
Spiritually, “Give them to us voluntarily” (v.22) underscores how human attempts to fix broken circumstances often lead to moral compromises, highlighting Israel’s inclination to rely on their own solutions apart from total trust in God’s ways (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the broader biblical story, God’s plan for redemption finds its ultimate answer and unity in Christ, where believers are urged to trust Him fully rather than seeking to manipulate loopholes (Ephesians 2:14-16). Although this verse specifically addresses a historical dilemma, it echoes humanity’s repeated need for deliverance and direction, ultimately pointing to a greater hope fulfilled in Jesus.