Judges Chapter 21

Judges 21 Summary: Meaning, Themes & Reflection

Explore this passage of Scripture with its full text and meaning. Read these 25 Bible verses from Judges and discover their timeless wisdom.

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1. Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.” 2. So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly. 3. “Why, O LORD God of Israel,” they cried out, “has this happened in Israel? Today in Israel one tribe is missing!” 4. The next day the people got up early, built an altar there, and presented burnt offerings and peace offerings. 5. The Israelites asked, “Who among all the tribes of Israel did not come to the assembly before the LORD?” For they had taken a solemn oath that anyone who failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah would surely be put to death. 6. And the Israelites grieved for their brothers, the Benjamites, and said, “Today a tribe is cut off from Israel. 7. What should we do about wives for the survivors, since we have sworn by the LORD not to give them our daughters in marriage?” 8. So they asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?” And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly. 9. For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there. 10. So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: “Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children. 11. This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.” 12. So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan. 13. Then the whole congregation sent a message of peace to the Benjamites who were at the rock of Rimmon. 14. And at that time the Benjamites returned and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough women for all of them. 15. The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel. 16. Then the elders of the congregation said, “What should we do about wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?” 17. They added, “There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out. 18. But we cannot give them our daughters as wives.” For the Israelites had sworn, “Cursed is he who gives a wife to a Benjamite.” 19. “But look,” they said, “there is a yearly feast to the LORD in Shiloh, which is north of Bethel east of the road that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.” 20. So they commanded the Benjamites: “Go, hide in the vineyards 21. and watch. When you see the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, each of you is to come out of the vineyards, catch for himself a wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin. 22. When their fathers or brothers come to us to complain, we will tell them, ‘Do us a favor by helping them, since we did not get wives for each of them in the war. Since you did not actually give them your daughters, you have no guilt.’” 23. The Benjamites did as instructed and carried away the number of women they needed from the dancers they caught. They went back to their own inheritance, rebuilt their cities, and settled in them. 24. And at that time, each of the Israelites returned from there to his own tribe and clan, each to his own inheritance. 25. In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

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25 verses
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Key Themes and Application

Background

This chapter of Scripture reveals important truths about God's character and His relationship with His people. The 25 Bible verses in this passage offer wisdom that applies to our daily lives.

Main Message

This passage contains timeless wisdom that speaks to believers across generations.

Life Application

  • Read these verses slowly and prayerfully, asking God to speak to you
  • Consider how this passage applies to your current circumstances
  • Journal about what God is teaching you through this Scripture
  • Share these insights with friends or in a small group setting

Reflection Questions

  • What stands out to you most in these 25 Bible verses?
  • How does this passage challenge or encourage you today?
  • What is God inviting you to do or believe through this Scripture?
  • Who in your life needs to hear the message of these verses?

About These 25 Bible Verses

Reading the Bible is more than just checking off a task on your list. When you open these 25 Bible verses from Judges, you are entering into a conversation with God that has spanned thousands of years.

This chapter of Scripture invites you to slow down and listen. The words on these pages have comforted, challenged, and guided countless believers throughout history. As you read this passage, remember that God speaks through His Word to meet you right where you are.

Many people find it helpful to read these verses multiple times. First, read to understand the overall message. Then read again to notice specific words or phrases that stand out. Finally, read once more asking God to show you how this Scripture applies to your life today.

Why Study This Passage?

For Personal Growth

These 25 Bible verses offer wisdom for your journey. As you meditate on this passage, God uses His Word to shape your character, deepen your faith, and guide your decisions.

For Group Study

This chapter provides rich material for discussion. Reading these Bible verses with others allows you to gain new perspectives and encourage one another in faith.

For Teaching and Preaching

Pastors and teachers find in this passage timeless truths to share. The themes in these verses speak to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For Prayer and Worship

Let these words become your prayer. As you read, turn the verses into conversations with God, thanking Him for His promises and seeking His guidance.

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