Judges 21:15 - The people grieved for Benjamin, because Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

Generated Verse: Judges 21:15

What does "Judges 21:15" mean?


This verse from Judges 21:15 is a lament following a near-genocidal civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. Let's break down its meaning:

"The people grieved for Benjamin..." This indicates a deep sorrow and remorse felt by the remaining tribes of Israel for the tribe of Benjamin. The war, described in Judges 19-21, had resulted in the near-extinction of the Benjamites.

"...because Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel." This is the key part of the verse.
"Yahweh had made a breach..." This attributes the disastrous consequences of the war to God's actions, or at least to his allowance of these actions. The word "breach" implies a significant and painful division or separation.
"...in the tribes of Israel." The loss of nearly an entire tribe represents a severe weakening of the entire nation of Israel. The "breach" isn't just the loss of Benjamite lives, but a tear in the fabric of Israelite society.

The significance of the verse:

1. Acknowledgment of Divine Involvement: The verse implies that God was either directly involved in the conflict or allowed it to happen, even if the initial cause was the sin of the men of Gibeah. This reflects a common theme in the book of Judges, where Israel's fortunes rise and fall based on their faithfulness to Yahweh.
2. Grief and Remorse: It showcases the grief and remorse of the Israelites for the devastating consequences of their actions. They recognize that the conflict has left a deep wound within their nation.
3. Weakening of Israel: The loss of the tribe of Benjamin weakens Israel militarily, economically, and socially. A united Israel is vital for their survival against external enemies.
4. The Cycle of Judges: This verse contributes to the recurring cycle in the Book of Judges:
Israel sins.
God punishes Israel through enemies or internal strife.
Israel cries out to God for help.
God raises up a judge to deliver them.
The cycle repeats.

In summary, Judges 21:15 is a lament expressing the grief and sorrow of the remaining tribes of Israel over the near-destruction of Benjamin. It acknowledges God's role (or allowance) in the devastating consequences of the war and highlights the severe weakening of Israel as a result of this internal conflict. It sets the stage for the rest of the book, where the cycle of sin, punishment, and deliverance will continue.