“And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.”
The book of Judges recounts a period in Israel’s history when they were led by a series of judges, who acted as both military leaders and deliverers in times of crisis. Judges 21:5 occurs near the end of the book, after a tragic incident involving the tribe of Benjamin.
To understand the context of this verse, we need to explore the events leading up to it. In Judges 19-21, an appalling crime takes place in Gibeah, a city within the territory of Benjamin. A Levite and his concubine, who were traveling, sought shelter in Gibeah but were treated violently and immorally. The concubine was abused to the point of death.
The Levite, deeply disturbed by the incident, dismembered the concubine’s body and sent the pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel as a cry for justice. This gruesome act drew the attention of the Israelites, and they gathered as one united congregation at Mizpeh to decide how to respond to the crime committed by the people of Benjamin.
Judges 21:5:the Israelites question whether any of the tribes had failed to assemble at Mizpeh for the purpose of seeking justice. The Israelites had made a solemn oath, vowing that anyone who did not join the assembly would be put to death. This demonstrates the seriousness and urgency with which they approached the matter at hand.
The significance of this verse lies in the gravity of the situation. The Israelites were determined to deal with the evil that had occurred among them and ensure that justice was served. The oath they had taken underscored their commitment to upholding the law and seeking retribution for the crime committed.
It is important to note that the book of Judges presents a period of moral decline and chaos in Israel’s history. The events described in Judges 21:5 highlight the severity of the situation and the desperate measures taken to restore order and righteousness among God’s people.
As with any passage of Scripture, it is crucial to consider the broader context and themes within the book of Judges and the Bible as a whole. This particular verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice and righteousness in society.
