Old Testament
Judges 21:18
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But we can't give them our own daughters, because the Israelites swore an oath: 'Cursed is anyone who gives a wife to Benjamin.'"
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Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife to Benjamin.
What Judges 21:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 21:18, the Israelites face a dilemma regarding the tribe of Benjamin after a civil conflict. They had made a vow not to give their daughters as wives to the Benjamites, declaring a curse on anyone who would do so. This oath was taken seriously, reflecting the gravity of their commitment and the consequences of breaking it. The Israelites were bound by their word, which highlights the importance of oaths in their culture. The situation arose because the tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out in a war, and they needed wives to ensure their survival and continuation. The Israelites' reluctance to break their vow illustrates the tension between loyalty to their commitments and the need to help a fellow tribe in distress. This verse emphasizes the complexities of moral decisions and the weight of promises made, even in dire circumstances.
How to apply Judges 21:18 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our promises, even when faced with difficult situations. It encourages us to consider the implications of our commitments and to act with integrity, balancing our responsibilities to others with our moral obligations.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 21:18
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At a Glance — the Book of Judges
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 21:18 mean?
Judges 21:18 explains that the Israelites could not give their daughters as wives to the tribe of Benjamin due to a solemn oath they had taken, which included a curse on anyone who violated this vow. This reflects the seriousness of their commitments and the moral dilemmas they faced.
What is the significance of the oath in Judges 21:18?
The oath in Judges 21:18 signifies the importance of promises in Israelite culture, highlighting how deeply they valued their word. It illustrates the conflict between loyalty to commitments and the need to support a tribe in crisis.
What themes are present in Judges 21:18?
Judges 21:18 presents themes such as the importance of oaths and vows, tribal loyalty, moral dilemmas, the consequences of conflict, and community responsibility. These themes highlight the challenges of balancing personal commitments with the needs of others.
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