Commentary on Judges 21:23

Judges 21:23 states: "And the children of Benjamin did so, and took them wives, according to their number, of them that danced, whom they caught: and they went and returned unto their inheritance, and rebuilt the cities, and dwelt in them."

This verse concludes a profound and troubling episode in the history of Israel, that highlights themes of desperation, divine justice, and the complex interplay of human actions and the will of God.

Exegesis and Context

The narrative of Judges addresses the time of Israel's history before they established a monarchy—the time of the judges. This period was marked by moral and social decay, as Israel repeatedly turned away from God, which often led to severe consequences. In Judges 21, we see the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin due to its grievous sin, culminating in near annihilation of the Benjamites.

Understanding the Situation

The events leading to this verse reflect the tragic consequences of sin and rebellion against God. When the Israelites resolved to impose severe punishment on the tribe of Benjamin, only a remnant was left. This situation forced the other tribes to seek a solution to repopulate Benjamin, whose survival was essential for the continuity of the nation.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Matthew Henry emphasizes the gravity of the events while noting the mercy shown by God amidst human folly. He suggests that this narrative is illustrative of God's control over the affairs of man, even in moments of chaos and violence. The fact that the Benjamites could find wives among those who danced as part of worship rituals exemplifies the different ways God may bring about restoration through human actions, albeit imperfect and desperate.

Albert Barnes’ Notes

Albert Barnes reflects on the substantial implications of this circumstance. He points out that the Benjamites resorted to a legally dubious and ethically questionable means of securing wives, symbolizing their grief and desperation. Barnes notes that this act underscores the moral decline among the Israelites as they resorted to human ingenuity rather than turning back to God for guidance. He warns that they were "not consulting the divine order." This reflects the eternal truth that injustice often begets further injustice, as can be witnessed throughout this era of Israel’s history.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Adam Clarke provides a poignant analysis of the customs surrounding the events mentioned in Judges 21:23. He illuminates the social and cultural context of the time, illustrating how the celebration of the annual feast provided the stage not only for worship but also for the Benjamites to find wives. Clarke describes these practices as indicative of a society that had strayed from sound principles. He observes how the text does not condone the actions taken by the Israelites but rather reveals the desperation of their situation and hints at a deeper need for repentance and adherence to covenant faithfulness.

Theological Themes

• Divine Sovereignty Over Human Affairs: This passage illustrates that even in the darkest episodes of human history, God’s purposes remain unthwarted, and He can use fallible human actions to accomplish His divine will.
• The Consequences of Sin: The brutal civil strife and the drastic measures to rectify the situation underscore the severe consequences of sin that lead to societal breakdown.
• The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness: This narrative serves as a call to recognize the significance of maintaining a relationship with God through covenant faithfulness, highlighting that neglecting this leads to chaos.
• Grace in the Midst of Judgment: Even within the judgment faced by the Benjamites, there is a thread of grace indicating that restoration is still possible, pointing to God’s mercy amidst human failure.

Reflection for Today’s Believers

For modern readers, Judges 21:23 serves as an illustration for various facets of life and faith. The perseverance of the Benjamites even in their dire circumstances speaks volumes about resilience. Additionally, it is a cautionary tale about how desperate situations might lead to unwise choices when individuals or communities stray from divine guidance.

As believers today, we are reminded that in our moments of moral complexity, we should seek God’s wisdom and guidance rather than rely solely on human solutions. There is a call to cherish our relationships with Him and to strive for justice and mercy, emulating His nature rather than the flawed tendencies of humanity.

Conclusion

Judges 21:23 encapsulates the tangled narrative of sin, consequence, and redemption in ancient Israel. Through the commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, one can see an intricate interplay of God's sovereignty, human sinfulness, and the possibility of restoration. This passage invites a deeper reflection on our commitments to divine covenant and the communal and personal responsibilities we bear in aligning our pursuit of righteousness with God’s will.