Bible Commentary on Judges 21:11

Judges 21:11 states: "And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man." This verse occurs at a pivotal moment in the book of Judges, offering profound insights regarding the themes of obedience, judgment, and societal restoration.

Contextual Background

The background of Judges 21 involves the desperate circumstances of the Israelite tribes after a civil conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and moral degradation. The Israelite tribes had vowed to punish the tribe of Benjamin for their wickedness, which resulted in a near-extermination of that tribe. There was a pressing need for the remaining Israelites to ensure the continuity of the tribe of Benjamin without repeating the violent cycle that led to their near annihilation.

Theological Insights

• Divine Command versus Human Morality: This passage raises complex questions about divine justice and the morality of warfare in the ancient context. Commentators like Matthew Henry emphasize that God’s commands often appear harsh from a modern perspective but are grounded in the severe consequences of sin.
• The Nature of Judgment: Adam Clarke notes that God’s judgment often entails swift and severe actions against those who violate His covenant. The command to destroy specific groups illustrates the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly in relation to idolatry and immorality.
• Preservation of the Remnant: Albert Barnes remarked on the significance of preserving the tribe of Benjamin. God’s judgment serves a dual purpose: purging evil while also seeking to restore and preserve a faithful remnant for His purposes.

Exegetical Analysis

Examining the original Hebrew text provides further clarity on the gravity of the command given in Judges 21:11. The verb "destroy" indicates total annihilation, reflecting the seriousness with which God addresses sin among His people.

Key Themes

• Obedience to God’s Commands: The Israelites were instructed to fully obey the command against the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead. This reflects the broader biblical principle that obedience to God often conflicts with human understanding of mercy and righteousness.
• Consequences of Sin: The chapter illustrates the destructive nature of sin within the community of Israel. Albert Barnes elucidates that the consequences are not merely personal but impact the entire community and future generations.
• Restoration and Redemption: The narrative ultimately reveals God’s redemptive plan amidst judgment. Even within the context of destruction, there is a pathway for restoration—for Benjamin to be revived through the women taken as wives by the remaining men of the tribe.

Practical Applications

This verse, while historically and culturally specific, offers several applications for contemporary readers:

• Understanding God's Holiness: This passage invites believers to reflect on the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. Just as the Israelites were called to eradicate corruption, modern believers are challenged to pursue holiness in their personal and community lives.
• Embracing Difficult Questions: When faced with difficult biblical texts, Christians are encouraged to wrestle with challenging questions of morality and justice. Engaging with this text can foster deeper theological discussions about the nature of God, judgment, and grace.
• Community Restoration: The narrative encourages communities to seek restoration rather than division. The efforts to preserve the tribe of Benjamin highlight the importance of unity despite differences and the pursuit of healing in communities plagued by conflict.

Conclusion

Judges 21:11 serves as a vital reflection on divine justice, community integrity, and the complexities of moral decisions in the ancient world, which still resonate today. Through careful interpretation and application, this verse can lead to profound insights for pastors, students, and theologians alike. Understanding the depths of these verses helps to affirm the need for obedience, the reality of consequences, and the redemptive hope that persists amidst judgment.