“And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.”
Context:The book of Judges is part of the historical books in the Old Testament. It chronicles the period of time between Joshua’s leadership and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The book describes a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance in which the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, faced consequences, cried out for help, and were delivered by judges raised up by God.
Explanation:
Judges 21:24 serves as the concluding verse of the book, summarizing the events that took place in the closing chapters. This verse follows a troubling account of an incident that occurred after a civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The other tribes had vowed not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites as punishment for their involvement in a horrific crime.
Realizing that the tribe of Benjamin was on the brink of extinction due to the vow, the remaining Israelites sought a solution. They decided to attack the nearby town of Jabesh-gilead, killing all its inhabitants except for four hundred virgins. These virgins were then given to the surviving Benjamites as wives to preserve their tribe.
After the resolution, the Israelites dispersed, returning to their respective tribes and families, and each person went back to his own inheritance. The verse highlights the aftermath of this event, showing a return to normalcy and a restoration of order among the tribes of Israel.
Lessons and Applications:
- Consequences of disobedience:The book of Judges is filled with examples of the Israelites turning away from God and suffering the consequences of their actions. This verse can serve as a reminder that our choices have consequences, both individually and collectively.
- God’s provision and restoration:Despite the flaws and failures of the Israelites, God remained faithful and provided a way for the tribe of Benjamin to continue. It demonstrates God’s grace and willingness to restore and redeem even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
- The importance of community and family:After the conflict and the resolution, the Israelites returned to their tribes and families. This highlights the significance of community and family ties in maintaining stability and order.
- Historical context:Understanding the historical and cultural context of this verse is essential in interpreting it properly. The actions of the Israelites in this account should not be seen as exemplary but rather as a reflection of the turbulent times in which they lived.
- The need for discernment and wisdom:Judges 21:24 can also remind us of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in decision-making. The Israelites’ initial response to the situation was rash and lacked wisdom. It is crucial for us to seek God’s direction before taking action.
Overall, Judges 21:24 concludes the book with a description of the Israelites returning to their tribes and families, emphasizing the restoration of order after a troubling incident. It provides us with lessons about the consequences of disobedience, God’s provision, the importance of community, and the need for discernment and wisdom in our lives.
