King James Version
What Does Judges 21:17 Mean?
“And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.”
Context
15
And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.
16
Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?
17
And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.
18
Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.
19
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goeth up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah. yearly: Heb. from year to year on the east: or, toward the sunrising of the highway: or, on the highway
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(17) **There must be an inheritance.**—Rather, *possession of the remnant shall be for Benjamin*—*i.e., *We will leave untouched their land and possessions. “We give you leave to take the whole land of Benjamin to yourselves” (Jos. *Antt. v.* 3, § 12).
**That a tribe be not destroyed.**—Benjamin never quite recovered this crushing blow. Even though it furnished the second judge (Ehud) and the first king (Saul) to Israel, and was advantageously situated, and was often honoured by the residence of Samuel, it became a mere satellite to the more powerful tribe of Judah. Perhaps in the quiescence and permanence derived from the close association with its powerful neighbour we see in part the fulfilment of the blessing in Deuteronomy 33:12.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 21:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 21:17
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge