What does Judges 21:3 mean?

And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel? Judges 21:3

Explanation

Judges 21:3 is a verse that reflects the distress and bewilderment of the Israelites following a civil conflict that nearly resulted in the annihilation of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Benjamin. The verse records a lamentation to God, in which the people question why such a calamity has befallen them, to the point where an entire tribe might be blotted out from their nation’s collective identity. The verse highlights the consternation and remorse of the Israelites as they grapple with the consequences of their inter-tribal strife.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the time period of the Judges, a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of Israel falling into sin, experiencing oppression, crying out to God, and God raising a judge to deliver them. The lamentation in Judges 21:3 follows a brutal civil war between the other Israelite tribes and the tribe of Benjamin, as recorded in Judges chapters 19 to 21. The war was ignited by an outrageous crime in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, where a Levite’s concubine was raped and murdered. The Israelites demanded justice, but the Benjaminites refused to hand over the perpetrators. In the ensuing conflict, the tribe of Benjamin was almost wiped out, leaving only 600 men.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse raises questions about divine justice and the consequences of sin within a community. It reflects the idea that the actions of a few can bring calamity upon a whole group and that the collective sin of a nation can result in severe judgment from God. Moreover, it illustrates the communal aspect of the Old Testament understanding of sin and punishment, where not only individuals but entire communities were held accountable before God. The verse also shows the Israelites’ recognition of God’s sovereignty as they turn to Him in their confusion and despair.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical application, Judges 21:3 can teach contemporary readers about the importance of communal responsibility and the far-reaching impact of sin. It serves as a caution against tolerating injustice within a community and underscores the need for collective repentance and seeking God’s guidance when faced with the consequences of communal actions. It can also inspire believers to earnestly seek God’s will in times of trouble, acknowledging that human understanding is limited and that God’s purposes are not always immediately clear.

Cross-References

• Judges 20:26-28 – Israel seeks God’s guidance after their initial defeat by Benjamin.
• Joshua 7:7 – Joshua questions God after Israel’s defeat against Ai due to Achan’s sin.
• 2 Samuel 24:1-17 – David questions why calamity struck Israel after his decision to count the fighting men.

Language Study

In the original Hebrew text, the key phrase “why is this come to pass” (לָמָּה זֹאת הָיְתָה) suggests puzzlement and seeking reasons for the occurrence. The question is directed to the “LORD God of Israel” (יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל), acknowledging His covenant relationship with Israel and His ultimate authority over the nation’s fortunes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The communal aspect of sin and its consequences seen in Judges 21:3 has parallels in other ancient cultures, where societies often viewed the actions of individuals as reflective of the community’s moral state. For example, in ancient Mesopotamian cultures, a king’s sins were thought to bring divine wrath upon the entire nation. In many ancient societies, communal atonement rituals were practiced to appease the gods and restore harmony.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts but touches on sociological and psychological themes such as collective identity, group dynamics, and the impact of collective guilt. Modern social science might explore the mechanisms of group cohesion and disintegration following internal conflict, as well as the psychological effects of communal trauma.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse often point out the gravity of Israel’s situation in Judges 21:3. They note the stark reality that the sin of a few led to near-genocide of a tribe. Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the sorrow of Israel for the lack of one tribe and sees Israel’s entreaty of God as a form of deep repentance. The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the profound distress that made Israel question their current circumstances, highlighting the anguish and regret over civil war. It also points out that the Israelites are inquiring about their present miseries rather than those that may come, a sign that they are deeply concerned with the immediate survival of the tribe of Benjamin.