"Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
This verse is part of the concluding chapter of the Book of Judges:which records a dark period in Israel’s history characterised by a cycle of sin, oppression, and deliverance. In this particular chapter, the Israelites are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.
To understand the context of Judges 21:20:it’s helpful to briefly review the events leading up to this verse. The war against the tribe of Benjamin was sparked by a heinous crime committed in Gibeah, a city within Benjamin’s territory. The crime involved the gang rape and subsequent death of a Levite’s concubine. The other tribes of Israel demanded justice, leading to a war in which the tribe of Benjamin defended the actions of the men of Gibeah.
After several battles, the other tribes realised they had nearly wiped out the tribe of Benjamin, which threatened to eradicate Benjamin’s presence among the tribes of Israel. This caused remorse and concern among the Israelites, as they recognised the need to preserve the tribe of Benjamin. So, they sought a way to provide wives for the remaining Benjamite men to ensure the tribe’s survival.
Judges 21:20:the elders of Israel issue a command to the children of Benjamin. They instruct them to go and "lie in wait in the vineyards." This command was given because the Israelites devised a plan to allow the Benjamite men to capture the daughters of Shiloh as potential wives. The daughters of Shiloh would be participating in a yearly feast, during which they would come out to dance in the vineyards. The Benjamite men were instructed to hide and wait for an opportunity to seize the women and take them as wives, effectively bypassing the issue of not having enough women from their own tribe.
It’s important to note that this verse describes a specific historical context and the actions taken by the people at that time. It does not necessarily reflect a moral endorsement of the behaviour described in the verse. The Book of Judges:as a whole, portrays a period of moral decline and chaos among the Israelites.
This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from a society that has turned away from God and neglected His ways. The events recorded in the Book of Judges:highlight the need for righteous leadership and a faithful adherence to God’s commands.
As with any passage of Scripture, it is beneficial to study it within the broader context of the Bible, taking into account other verses, historical background, and the overall message of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
