Judges 21:1-25

21:1-23 | The tribes of Israel had sought the Lord’s counsel and obediently battled Benjamin, yet they later grieved at the void caused by Benjamin’s near-obliteration. This section details their ill-conceived plan to preserve the tribe – apparently without divine counsel. When God’s people make a habit of failing to consult Him, they end up confused about right and wrong, wisdom and foolishness.

21:25 | This verse, which repeats the despairing words of 17:6, serves a summary of the period of the judges. The stage was set for the arrival of God’s chosen king, David. He would not only seek to do right in the Lord’s eyes but lead Israel in the same pursuit.