“And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.”
Context:The book of Judges recounts the period of Israel’s history following the death of Joshua, during which the Israelites were governed by various judges who were raised up by God to deliver them from their enemies. In Judges 21, the Israelites are faced with the aftermath of a civil war with the tribe of Benjamin. The other tribes of Israel have taken an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites due to their involvement in a heinous crime.
Historical Background:To understand the context, we need to go back to Judges 19-20. In Judges 19, a Levite and his concubine were traveling through Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin. They sought shelter but were treated violently, leading to the death of the concubine. The Levite then dismembered her body and sent the pieces to all the tribes of Israel, calling for justice. This gruesome act led to a war between the tribes and the tribe of Benjamin. Eventually, most of the tribe of Benjamin was killed, and only a remnant remained.
Seeking a Solution:In Judges 21, the Israelites were grieved over the near‑elimination of the tribe of Benjamin and sought to find wives for the remaining Benjamites so that the tribe would not disappear. They realised that their oath not to give their daughters to the Benjamites would cause the tribe of Benjamin to become extinct.
The Command:In verse 11, the Israelites decided on a drastic solution to provide wives for the remaining Benjamites. They decreed that all the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead who had not participated in the war against Benjamin should be put to death, with the exception of the virgin females who were to be given to the Benjamites as wives. This command was intended to preserve the tribe of Benjamin and ensure its survival.
Ethical Considerations:This command raises ethical questions and challenges our understanding of God’s character. It is important to note that the Bible records events and actions of people, even when they are morally wrong, without necessarily endorsing them. In this case, the Israelites were acting out of desperation and were trying to rectify a situation they had brought upon themselves.
Cultural and Historical Context:It is crucial to understand this command within the specific cultural and historical context of ancient Israel. The Israelites were operating under a theocracy, and God’s law had specific guidelines for certain situations. In this particular instance, the Israelites took matters into their own hands, making a decision that was not explicitly commanded by God.
Lessons for Today:Whilst the context of Judges 21:11 may differ greatly from our present circumstances, there are still valuable lessons we can draw from this passage. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our decisions and actions. It also highlights the consequences of not following God’s laws and the dangers of making impulsive decisions without considering the broader implications.
In conclusion, Judges 21:11 describes a desperate decision made by the Israelites to provide wives for the remaining Benjamites. It is important to interpret this passage in its historical context and understand the complexities of the situation. As with any biblical passage, it is vital to study the broader context and consider the principles of God’s character and His overarching plan for humanity.
