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.