Judges 21:24 - The children of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they each went out from there to his own inheritance.

Generated Verse: Judges 21:24

What does "Judges 21:24" mean?


Judges 21:24 states: "The children of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they each went out from there to his own inheritance."

This verse essentially signifies the return to normalcy and order after a period of chaos and violence described in the book of Judges. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"The children of Israel departed from there at that time..." This refers to the children of Israel leaving wherever they were assembled (likely after the events related to the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin and the subsequent solution of finding wives for the remaining Benjaminites).

"...every man to his tribe and to his family..." This emphasizes the restoration of tribal and familial structure. During the tumultuous period of the Judges, tribal loyalties were sometimes strained or disregarded. This verse highlights a return to the traditional social and political organization. The Israelites were returning to the fold of their own tribes and the responsibilities that came with it.

"...and they each went out from there to his own inheritance." This refers to the land that had been allotted to each tribe and family during the initial division of Canaan after the Exodus. This suggests a return to stability and ownership. They were going back to their established places in the land, to their homes, and to their possessions.

In Summary:

The verse marks a turning point, suggesting a re-establishment of the established order of Israelite society. It's a return to their inherited land, their families, and the structures that were intended to govern them. While not necessarily a sign of lasting peace or moral improvement (as the book of Judges often shows a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance), it does indicate a desire to re-establish the foundations of their society.

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