Judges 21:7
How shall wee doe for wiues for them that remaine, seeing wee haue sworne by the Lord, that wee will not giue them of our daughters to wiues? Judges 21:7 (KJV)
Judges 21:7 is found in the closing chapter of the book of Judges and records a disturbing episode that followed the civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. The tribe had been almost wiped out because of its involvement in a grave sin, and the other Israelite tribes were now concerned about the fate of the surviving Benjaminites.
The historical backdrop is the period of the Judges, a time marked by a recurring cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Israel had no central government, and the people “did what was right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). In the narrative leading to this verse, the Israelites fought a civil war against Benjamin after a horrendous crime was committed in Benjamin’s territory.
In this verse the Israelites confront a painful dilemma. Earlier they had taken a solemn oath not to give any of their daughters in marriage to a Benjaminite (Judges 21:1). Yet, after realizing that the tribe was on the brink of extinction, they recognized the urgent need for wives so that the tribe could continue within Israel, while still feeling bound by their oath.
The passage raises the broader issue of making oaths or vows without fully considering their consequences. The Israelites’ hasty, extreme oath—prompted by the crimes of Benjamin (Judges 21:5)—now produced unintended moral complications. It serves as a reminder to exercise caution and wisdom when committing ourselves, weighing the potential impact on ourselves and others.
Seeking a solution, the Israelites devised a plan that honored the oath yet provided wives for the remaining Benjaminite men. First they allowed those men to take wives from the neighboring city of Jabesh‑gilead, a community that had not sent soldiers against Benjamin (Judges 21:8‑14). Then, at a feast in Shiloh, they seized the dancing women who were present, thereby securing additional wives while still keeping the letter of their oath (Judges 21:9‑14).
The episode offers several lessons. It underscores the importance of thoughtful, considered oaths; hasty or extreme commitments can lead to unforeseen moral dilemmas. It also illustrates the need to balance fidelity to commitments with compassion for the vulnerable, encouraging believers to seek solutions that honor both duty and mercy. Finally, the surrounding events remind us of the destructive consequences of sin and the necessity of living in accordance with God’s commandments.
Judges 21:7 therefore reveals the moral tension the Israelites faced as they tried to reconcile their sworn vow with the survival of a tribe. The passage calls us to reflect on the complexities of human decisions, to pursue wisdom and discernment, and to ensure that our commitments are made with full awareness of their far‑reaching effects.
