Old Testament

Judges 21:5

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 21:5, the Israelites are concerned about a serious oath they made.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then the Israelites asked, "Who among all the tribes of Israel didn't come to the assembly before the LORD?" They had sworn a solemn oath that anyone who failed to appear before the LORD at Mizpah would be put to death.

KJVKing James Version

And the children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 21:5, the Israelites are concerned about a serious oath they made. They had gathered at Mizpah and vowed that anyone from the tribes who did not attend this assembly would face death. This reflects the importance of unity and commitment among the tribes of Israel. The oath signifies their dedication to God and the seriousness of their communal responsibilities. The Israelites are now questioning who failed to show up, indicating that they are ready to enforce their vow. This moment highlights the tension between the need for accountability and the value of mercy, as they grapple with the consequences of their promise. The oath was made in a time of crisis, and now they must confront the implications of their words. This situation serves as a reminder of the weight of promises made in faith and the communal nature of their society, where individual actions can have significant repercussions for the whole community.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 21:5 to your life

This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our commitments and being accountable to our community. It reminds us to think carefully before making promises, especially those that affect others. We should strive for unity and support within our groups, ensuring that we uphold our responsibilities.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 21:5 teach about oaths?

Judges 21:5 emphasizes the seriousness of oaths made within a community. The Israelites had sworn that anyone who did not attend the assembly at Mizpah would face death, highlighting the weight of their promises. This teaches us to consider the implications of our commitments and the importance of keeping our word, especially in communal settings.

Why did the Israelites gather at Mizpah?

The Israelites gathered at Mizpah to address a crisis and reaffirm their unity as a nation. This assembly was crucial for making collective decisions and ensuring that all tribes were represented. Their gathering reflects the importance of coming together to seek guidance from God and to hold each other accountable for their commitments.

What are the consequences mentioned in Judges 21:5?

In Judges 21:5, the consequence for failing to attend the assembly was death, as per the oath made by the Israelites. This severe consequence illustrates the gravity of their commitment to unity and accountability. It serves as a reminder that promises can have serious repercussions, and individuals must be mindful of their responsibilities to the community.

How does this verse relate to community responsibilities?

Judges 21:5 highlights the interconnectedness of the Israelite tribes and their shared responsibilities. The oath taken by the Israelites signifies that individual actions can impact the entire community. This verse encourages us to recognize our roles within our communities and to uphold our commitments, fostering unity and support among members.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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