Judges 21:17
They added, "There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin, so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out.
They added,

Israel’s leaders continued their search for a remedy after the devastating war against Benjamin. Though Benjamin had defended the wickedness of Gibeah and suffered severe judgment, the remaining tribes recognized their responsibility to preserve their brother tribe.

Gen 18:32 Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry,…
Gen 18:30 Then Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry,…
Gen 18:27 Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak…

“There must be heirs for the survivors of Benjamin,

The six hundred Benjamite men who escaped to the rock of Rimmon needed wives and children if Benjamin’s allotted inheritance in the land was to remain within the tribe. God had assigned Benjamin a place among the sons of Israel, and the nation could not treat that inheritance as insignificant.

Gen 38:8 Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife.…
Deu 25:5 When brothers dwell together and one of them dies…
Rut 4:5 Then Boaz said, “On the day you buy the land……

so that a tribe of Israel will not be wiped out.

The preservation of Benjamin upheld the unity of the twelve tribes and demonstrated that judgment for grave sin did not cancel God’s covenant purposes. Israel’s later history would confirm Benjamin’s continuing place, producing leaders such as Saul and, generations later, the apostle Paul..

Deu 25:6 The first son she bears will carry on the name…
Num 27:4 Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan…
2Sa 14:7 Now the whole clan has risen up against your maidservant…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are seeking a solution to preserve the tribe of Benjamin after a civil war.

2. The Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to a conflict with the other tribes.

3. The Assembly at Mizpah
The gathering of the Israelites where they sought guidance and made decisions regarding the future of Benjamin.

4. The Civil War
A devastating conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, leading to Benjamin's near extinction.

5. The Inheritance
The focus of the verse, emphasizing the need to preserve the tribal inheritance and identity of Benjamin.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Community and Unity
The Israelites' concern for Benjamin highlights the value of each member within the community of faith. We are called to support and preserve unity within the body of Christ.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
Despite human failure and conflict, God's plan for His people remains steadfast. We can trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives.

The Role of Inheritance in Identity
Just as the inheritance was crucial for Benjamin's identity, our spiritual inheritance in Christ defines who we are. We should live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God.

Restoration and Redemption
The account of Benjamin's near extinction and subsequent restoration is a powerful reminder of God's redemptive work. No situation is beyond His ability to restore and redeem.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concern for preserving the tribe of Benjamin reflect the broader biblical theme of community and unity among God's people?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in the account of Benjamin, and how does this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

3. How does the concept of inheritance in Judges 21:17 relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ, and how should this impact our daily lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' approach to resolving the crisis with Benjamin that can be applied to conflicts within the church today?

5. How does the restoration of the tribe of Benjamin illustrate God's redemptive power, and how can we apply this understanding to situations in our own lives where we seek restoration?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 49
Jacob's blessings to his sons, including Benjamin, highlight the importance of each tribe's unique role and inheritance in Israel.

Deuteronomy 25
The law concerning levirate marriage and preserving a family line connects to the concern for maintaining the tribe of Benjamin.

Romans 11
Paul's discussion on the remnant of Israel reflects the theme of preservation and God's faithfulness to His people.

1 Samuel 9
The anointing of Saul, a Benjamite, as king of Israel, underscores the significance of preserving the tribe for future leadership.
An Unreasonable OathC. Ness.Judges 21:1-25
Confusion and Misery Through Want of OrdersS. G. Green, D. D.Judges 21:1-25
One LackingJ. Parker, D. D.Judges 21:1-25
People
Benjamin, Benjaminites, Benjamites, Israelites, Jabesh
Places
Bethel, Canaan, Jabesh-gilead, Lebonah, Mizpah, Rimmon, Shechem, Shiloh
Topics
Benjamin, Blotted, Destroyed, Escaped, Existence, Heirs, Inheritance, Offspring, Party, Possession, Rest, Survivors, Tribe, Wiped
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 21:17

     5701   heir
     5704   inheritance, material

Judges 21:16-23

     5365   kidnapping

Library
Conclusion
As we take up our pen to write these closing paragraphs, we do so conscious that we have merely skimmed, here and there, the surface of a vast ocean of truth. Though upwards of five hundred Scriptures have been referred to in these pages, yet, hundreds more could have been cited in support of the positions which we have advanced. An exhaustive classification and examination of all the passages which are connected, directly or indirectly, with the subject of the Redeemer's Return, would necessitate
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Of Civil Government.
OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT. This chapter consists of two principal heads,--I. General discourse on the necessity, dignity, and use of Civil Government, in opposition to the frantic proceedings of the Anabaptists, sec. 1-3. II. A special exposition of the three leading parts of which Civil Government consists, sec. 4-32. The first part treats of the function of Magistrates, whose authority and calling is proved, sec. 4-7. Next, the three Forms of civil government are added, sec. 8. Thirdly, Consideration
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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