Judges·Chapter 21

How to Apply

This week, think about a situation in your life where you feel like you’re lacking or not enough—whether it’s in your relationships, work, or personal goals. Instead of dwelling on what’s missing, take action. Reach out to someone you trust and talk about it. Maybe it’s asking for help, sharing your feelings, or even brainstorming solutions together. By opening up, you create space for connection and healing, just as the tribes of Israel were trying to do.

Chapter Context

To really grasp why this moment is so significant, let’s back up a bit. The previous events unfolded in a whirlwind of conflict and tragedy. The tribes of Israel had been in turmoil, and Benjamin was facing severe consequences for their actions. To make things right, the rest of Israel decided to provide them with wives so the tribe wouldn’t die out. This verse comes right after a series of desperate attempts to resolve the situation, and it marks a critical point in the narrative. The fact that they rescue women but still fall short emphasizes the deep fractures within Israel at that time. It’s a turning point that highlights the challenges of rebuilding and restoring relationships after such chaos.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• benjamin - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• returned - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• time - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• gave - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• women - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• whom - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• saved - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• alive - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• women - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• jabeshgilead - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

In what area of your life do you feel like you’re coming up short, and how might you take a step toward addressing that feeling this week?

Related Verses

• Judges 21:7 - This verse sets up the need for wives for the men of Benjamin, explaining the urgency behind the actions taken.
• 1 Samuel 10:27 - This speaks to the challenges of unity among the tribes, showing that conflict was a recurring theme in Israel's history.
• Isaiah 54:4 - This verse reassures people that even in times of loss and uncertainty, there is hope for new beginnings.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Judges 21:14. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

Judges 21:2, Judges 21:5, Judges 21:14, Judges 21:16, Judges 21:19

Historical Context

Judges 21 concludes the Book of Judges, a narrative that spans a tumultuous period in Israel's history when the nation was leaderless after Joshua's death. This chapter reflects the depths of moral decline and societal chaos that characterized this era, where every tribe acted according to its own judgment. It highlights the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness to God and the resulting division within the tribes. The events of this chapter underscore the notion that without a central leadership or adherence to God's laws, the community was prone to destructive decisions, leading to violence and ethical dilemmas.