Old Testament
Judges 21:7
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"How can we find wives for the men who survived? We swore an oath to the LORD that we wouldn't give any of our daughters to them in marriage."
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How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them of our daughters to wives?
What Judges 21:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 21:7, the Israelites face a dilemma after a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. They had made a vow to God not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, who were left with few men after the conflict. This verse highlights their concern about how to provide wives for the surviving men of Benjamin without breaking their oath. The situation reflects the tension between their commitment to God and the practical needs of their community. The Israelites are grappling with the consequences of their earlier decisions and the need to uphold their promises while also ensuring the continuation of the tribe of Benjamin. This moment illustrates the complexities of faith, community obligations, and the challenges of adhering to vows made in difficult circumstances.
How to apply Judges 21:7 to your life
This verse teaches us the importance of keeping our commitments while also recognizing the need for compassion and practical solutions in difficult situations. It encourages us to seek wisdom when our promises conflict with the needs of others, reminding us to balance faithfulness with love and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
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Keep studying Judges 21:7
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Key themes
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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 21:7 mean?
Judges 21:7 describes the Israelites' dilemma after a civil war, where they had vowed not to give their daughters to the surviving men of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse highlights their struggle to honor their oath to God while also addressing the practical need for wives to ensure the survival of the tribe.
What is the significance of the oath in Judges 21:7?
The oath in Judges 21:7 signifies the Israelites' commitment to God and their moral obligation not to intermarry with the Benjamites. This creates a conflict between their promise and the urgent need to provide for the future of the tribe.
How does Judges 21:7 relate to community responsibility?
Judges 21:7 illustrates community responsibility by showing the Israelites' concern for the survival of the tribe of Benjamin, despite their vow. It emphasizes the importance of finding solutions that honor commitments while also caring for others.
What moral dilemma is presented in Judges 21:7?
The moral dilemma in Judges 21:7 arises from the Israelites' vow not to give their daughters to the Benjamites, which conflicts with the need to provide wives for the surviving men. This situation highlights the challenge of balancing faithfulness to oaths with compassion for others.
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