“And Benjamin came again at that time; and they gave them wives which they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead: and yet so they sufficed them not.”
Context:The book of Judges provides a historical account of the time after Joshua’s death, when the twelve tribes of Israel were settling in the Promised Land. It was a period characterised by a cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
Background:In this particular verse, we find the tribe of Benjamin in a dire situation. The Israelites had gathered together to address the wickedness committed in the city of Gibeah, which was located in the territory of Benjamin. The men of Gibeah had committed a horrific act of rape and murder, leading to a civil war between the other tribes and Benjamin. After a series of battles, the tribe of Benjamin was almost entirely wiped out, with only a few hundred men remaining.
The Resolution:At this point, the remaining Israelites felt a sense of regret and remorse for what had transpired. They swore not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites (Judges 21:1). However, they were concerned about the potential extinction of the tribe of Benjamin since they had taken an oath not to give them wives.
Finding a Solution:In their search for a solution, the Israelites discovered that none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead had come to the assembly. They proceeded to attack Jabesh-gilead, killing all the men and non-virgin women but sparing the virgin women to provide wives for the Benjamites.
Limited Supply of Wives:Even with this plan in place, the number of women from Jabesh-gilead was not sufficient to provide wives for all the remaining Benjamites. Therefore, they were still short of wives after this incident.
This verse depicts the desperate measures taken to ensure the survival of the tribe of Benjamin. It shows the consequences of the civil war and the challenges faced by the Israelites as they sought to rectify the situation while grappling with the limitations of their own oaths and commitments.
Overall, this account highlights the tragic circumstances that arose due to the widespread sin and rebellion during that time. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of making wise and righteous choices, as the consequences of our actions can have far-reaching effects.
