Judges 21:13-18 – A Problem Not Yet Solved
The civil war in Israel has left only 600 men of Benjamin alive. The Israelites who fought them have vowed that they will not give their daughters in marriage to the Benjaminites. Wives have been found for 400 of these survivors by destroying the town of Jabesh-Gilead and forcing the young women into marriage with them, but that leaves 200 men of Benjamin without wives, making it harder for the tribe to recover. The Israelites recognize that their disturbing solution has not completely solved the problem, asking “What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?” There is still a great danger that this weakened tribe may “be blotted out from Israel.”
In these events we again see the dangers of making rash vows. We also see how out of touch with God’s Word the Israelites were. As we observed in regard to Jephthah, if keeping a vow causes us to sin, we must not keep that vow, but must be ready to accept the consequences of not keeping it. Furthermore, Numbers 15:22-31 sets forth the appropriate sacrifices for unintentional sins. It would have been wiser of Israel to acknowledge their sin in their rash vow, repent and make the appropriate sacrifices rather than to solve their problem through further (and unnecessary) violence. This is yet another result of every man doing what is right in his own eyes. Rather than doing what is right in our own eyes, let us live by God’s Word, avoiding rash vows and seeking solutions to our problems that are consistent with His revealed will.
Questions
- What problem remains after the destruction of Jabesh-Gilead?
- What might the Israelites have done differently in regard to their rash vow?
- Where must we seek solutions to our problems?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the wisdom to find the solution to our problems that are in keeping with God’s Word.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.