Judges 21

Judges 21:1

In Judges, for the second time, a foolish vow caused problems for those who made it (see study note on Judges 11:31).

Judges 21:3

The idea of a twelve-tribe league was important in Israel. It lasted despite Levi separating from the other tribes, Simeon and Asher almost disappearing, and Joseph splitting into two tribes (Manasseh and Ephraim). Losing one tribe would have implied that God's agreement with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was falling apart.

Judges 21:8-9

Jabesh-gilead was an important town east of the Jordan River. Its failure to join the war against Benjamin caused a serious break in unity (see Judges 21:5).

Judges 21:11

Devote to destruction: See Leviticus 27:28–29.

Judges 21:15-17

• The people grieved for Benjamin: Israel worried about the nation's division.

• The gap in Israel was God's doing, as the war against Benjamin was a response to God's covenant.

Judges 21:19

The yearly feast in Shiloh may have originally been a Canaanite celebration.

Judges 21:23

The land given to them was the land assigned to the tribe of Benjamin by the Lord's agreement (Judges 2:6).

Judges 21:24

The people of Israel persevered despite having no inspired leaders (Judges 17–18) and the tribal league's failure (Judges 19–21). Tribes and families remained strong, ensuring Israel and its tribes would endure.

Judges 21:25

The conclusion of Judges 17–21 explains the reason for the social disorder of the time. After the period of the judges, God would establish a new covenant with Israel involving King David (2 Samuel 7) and the promise of a messianic rule. The fulfillment of that promise would exceed anything imaginable during the time when Israel had no king.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.