The Remorse of the Israelites

Judges 21:1–12
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

A spirit of reconciliation set in almost as soon as the war ended. In the heat of conflict Israel had made a rash vow that she would never again permit intermarriage with Benjamin (v. 1). If strictly observed this would have eliminated this tribe. With the Israelites a vow once made, even if it was rash could not be revoked; so, the people weep before God at His sanctuary in Bethel (vv. 2-4). At about the same time the remembrance of another vow suggested a possible way out of their dilemma (vv. 5-8). This vow taken at Mizpah before the battle with the Benjamites was against any tribe that failed to support this war. It was revealed that the people of Jabesh Gilead had refused to cooperate in the battle (v. 9). Thus, a plan was made to “kill two birds with one stone”. 

The schemes that followed were certainly not God ordained. An army of 12,000 men were sent to destroy Jabesh_Gilead in fulfillment of the oath, and at the same time all the virgins would be seized and turned over to the Benjaminite men for wives (vv. 10-12). The vengeance brought upon the people of Jabesh_Gilead was merciless. All but their young maidens were ruthlessly butchered. It seems that Israel was acting on the premise that the end justifies the means. She was more distressed about her threatened national dismemberment than about her separation from God. It is easy to lose our spiritual perspective and be more upset about people, places and things than about our own personal walk with the Lord.

Application

It is very easy to get so busy in the work of the Lord that I neglect the Word of the Lord. It is amazing but the Lord desires to have fellowship with me and wants me to spend quality time with Him each day.