Judges 21:22
And it shall bee when their fathers or their brethren come vnto vs to complaine, that we will say vnto them, Bee fauourable vnto them for our sakes: because we reserued not to each man his wife in the warre: for yee did not giue vnto them at this time, that you should be guiltie. Judges 21:22 (KJV)
Historical Context: The book of Judges is set during a time when the Israelites had settled in the Promised Land, but they had not fully driven out all the Canaanite nations as God had commanded them. Instead, they coexisted with these pagan nations, which led to a decline in their spiritual and moral condition.
Context of the Chapter: Judges 21 concludes the account of a tragic event that occurred after a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel. The Benjamites had committed a heinous crime by sexually assaulting and killing a Levite’s concubine, which led to a war against them. After their defeat, the Israelites were concerned about the future of the tribe of Benjamin, because they did not want any tribe to be completely wiped out. Consequently they sought a solution to allow the Benjamites to rebuild their population.
Understanding the Verse: In Judges 21:22 the Israelites discuss their plan to address the surviving Benjamite men who did not have wives. They decided that if anyone, whether fathers or brethren, came to complain, they would ask them to be favourable toward the Benjamites, stating that during the war they had not allowed each man to have his own wife and had not given the Benjamites any women to marry. By presenting this reason they hoped to avoid guilt. The Scripture also records that the children of Benjamin were not left without wives because the LORD had helped them, and the detailed plan for providing wives is described earlier in the chapter (Judges 21:17‑21) where the men of Jabesh‑Gilead supplied women for marriage.
Moral and Spiritual Lessons: The episode reveals the desperation of the Israelites to find a solution to a difficult situation, yet their method raises serious ethical concerns. Their compromise reflects the consequences of the Israelites’ failure to fully obey God’s command to drive out the Canaanites, leading to moral decay and violence. The tribes recognized the need for unity and were willing to make compromises to preserve the tribe of Benjamin, even after its grievous sins. Despite the misguided actions, God remained committed to His covenant and worked within their flawed decisions to bring about redemption and restoration.
Application: Believers should learn to honour God’s commands fully, recognizing that partial obedience or compromise with sinful practices can have severe consequences. The story underscores the importance of seeking unity and reconciliation within the community of believers, prioritising forgiveness, understanding, and peaceful resolutions even in challenging circumstances. It also reminds us that God can work in imperfect situations and use flawed individuals to accomplish His purposes, encouraging us to trust in His redemptive power and seek His guidance in all circumstances. Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult reliable Bible study resources for a comprehensive understanding of the passage.
