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Judges 21:7

*“What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?”* (v.7). In this verse, the Israelites grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Having sworn a vow not to give their own daughters in marriage to the remaining Benjamite men, they now face a conundrum: if they strictly keep their oath, the tribe of Benjamin will dwindle and potentially disappear from Israel. This predicament underscores the seriousness of making rash vows and the difficult practical consequences that can follow.

In ancient Israel, making a vow before the LORD was considered a solemn, binding act. The people had committed themselves to a hasty oath in the heat of battle, and Judges 21:7 reveals their struggle to keep Israel intact without violating the promise they had made. Their quandary highlights the importance of thoughtful, measured decisions made under divine guidance rather than hasty commitments fueled by anger or zeal. Here, the covenant community wrestles with preserving the unity of God’s people while remaining faithful to an oath taken in God’s name.

*“What shall we do for wives...”* (v.7) also points to the Israelites’ strong cultural emphasis on continuity, family, and the secure future of every tribe. The threat of Benjamin's extinction raises not only social concerns but theological fears of failing the mission God entrusted to the tribes. This verse testifies to the complex intersection between God’s laws, human vows, and the preservation of a righteous inheritance in the land. It serves as a caution against impetuous devotion that may lead to painful moral dilemmas. This final chapter in Judges underscores the ever-present need for God’s mercy and wisdom in guiding human decisions and preserving His people.

God’s people learned that zeal driven by anger can lead to oaths that trap them in moral conflict.

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:

  • Judges 1:1-7 meaning. After many years as leader of the twelve tribes of Israel, Joshua dies. Though they now live in the Promised Land, the Israelites are still in the process of establishing their control of the region.
  • Matthew 21:1-7 meaning. Jesus and the disciples pause as they approach the Mount of Olives, just east of Jerusalem. Jesus sends two disciples to go retrieve a donkey and her unridden colt from the village of Bethphage. Once done the disciples lay their coats on the beasts and Jesus begins to ride the colt into Jerusalem. This fulfills a Messianic prophecy from Zechariah.
  • Matthew 7:21-23 meaning. Jesus asserts He will refuse many people entrance into His kingdom on the Day of Judgment because they did not know Him or follow His Father’s will. Despite their claims of performing mighty works in His name, their deeds and hearts violated God’s law.

Judges 21:7