CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 21:1 Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, "Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/21-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/07_Jdg_21_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 21:1 - Wives for the Benjamites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/21-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/21-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/20-48.htm" title="Judges 20:48">◄</a> Judges 21:1 <a href="/judges/21-2.htm" title="Judges 21:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The men of Israel had taken an oath at Mizpah: &#8220Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The Israelites had vowed at Mizpah, “We will never give our daughters in marriage to a man from the tribe of Benjamin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah, “No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, “None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin as a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, &#8220None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin as a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn [an oath] at Mizpah, “None of us shall give his daughter in marriage to [a man of] Benjamin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah: “None of us will give his daughter to a Benjaminite in marriage.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah: &#8220None of us will give his daughter to a Benjaminite in marriage.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the Israelites had met at Mizpah before the war with Benjamin, they had made this sacred promise: "None of us will ever let our daughters marry any man from Benjamin." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The men of Israel had taken this oath in Mizpah: "None of us will ever let our daughters marry anyone from Benjamin."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When the Israelites had gathered at Mizpah, they had made a solemn promise to the LORD: "None of us will allow a Benjaminite to marry a daughter of ours." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Israel had taken a vow in Mizpah that went like this: "Not even one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a descendant of Benjamin!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah, saying, ?Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The Israelites had taken an oath in Mizpah, saying, "Not one of us will allow his daughter to marry a Benjaminite."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, "There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin as wife."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin for a wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “None of us will give his daughter to Benjamin as a wife.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the men of Israel have sworn in Mizpeh, saying, “None of us gives his daughter to Benjamin for a wife.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the men of Israel have sworn in Mizpeh, saying, 'None of us doth give his daughter to Benjamin for a wife.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the men of Israel sware in Mizpeh, saying, A man from us shall not give his daughter to Benjamin for wife.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Now the children of Israel had also sworn in Maspha, saying: None of us shall give of his daughters to the children of Benjamin to wife. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The sons of Israel had also taken an oath at Mizpah, and they said, “None of us shall give his daughters as a wife to the sons of Benjamin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The men of Israel took an oath at Mizpah: “None of us will give his daughter in marriage to anyone from Benjamin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the Israelites had sworn at Mizpah, “No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />NOW the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpeh, saying, None of us shall give his daughter in marriage to the Benjamites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the men of Israel took an oath in Mezpaya and they said: “No man of us shall give his daughter to the sons of Benjamin for a wife"<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying: 'There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Now the children of Israel swore in Massephath, saying, No man of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin for a wife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/21-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=6409" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Wives for the Benjamites</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">Now the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7650.htm" title="7650: niš·ba‘ (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; propr. To be complete, but used only as a denominative from sheba'; to seven oneself, i.e. Swear.">had sworn an oath</a> <a href="/hebrew/4709.htm" title="4709: bam·miṣ·pāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The name of several places in Isr. Feminine of Mitspeh; Mitspah, the name of two places in Palestine.">at Mizpah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">“Not one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: mim·men·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">of us</a> <a href="/hebrew/1323.htm" title="1323: bit·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Daughter. From banah; a daughter.">will give his daughter</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">in marriage</a> <a href="/hebrew/1144.htm" title="1144: lə·ḇin·yā·min (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From ben and yamiyn; son of right hand; Binjamin, youngest son of Jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">to a Benjamite.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: lə·’iš·šāh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman."></a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, lifting up their voices and weeping bitterly.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1-2</a></span><br />Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. / The leaders of all the people and all the tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assembly of God’s people: 400,000 men on foot, armed with swords.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/30-2.htm">Numbers 30:2</a></span><br />If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Deuteronomy 23:21-23</a></span><br />If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. / But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin. / Be careful to follow through on what comes from your lips, because you have freely vowed to the LORD your God with your own mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24-28</a></span><br />Now the men of Israel were in distress that day, for Saul had placed the troops under an oath, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food before evening, before I have taken vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the troops tasted any food. / Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. / And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-39.htm">1 Samuel 14:39-45</a></span><br />As surely as the LORD who saves Israel lives, even if it is my son Jonathan, he must die!” But not one of the troops said a word. / Then Saul said to all Israel, “You stand on one side, and I and my son Jonathan will stand on the other side.” “Do what seems good to you,” the troops replied. / So Saul said to the LORD, the God of Israel, “Why have You not answered Your servant this day? If the fault is with me or my son Jonathan, respond with Urim, but if the fault is with the men of Israel, respond with Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were selected, but the people were cleared of the charge. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-17.htm">1 Samuel 18:17-19</a></span><br />Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-22.htm">1 Samuel 25:22-34</a></span><br />May God punish David, and ever so severely, if I let one male belonging to Nabal survive until morning.” / When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-1.htm">2 Samuel 21:1-9</a></span><br />During the reign of David there was a famine for three successive years, and David sought the face of the LORD. And the LORD said, “It is because of the blood shed by Saul and his family, because he killed the Gibeonites.” / At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.) / So David asked the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? How can I make amends so that you may bless the inheritance of the LORD?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-7.htm">2 Kings 3:7</a></span><br />And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Psalm 15:4</a></span><br />who despises the vile but honors those who fear the LORD, who does not revise a costly oath,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:4-5</a></span><br />When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. / It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-33.htm">Matthew 5:33-37</a></span><br />Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ / But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; / or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-6.htm">Matthew 14:6-9</a></span><br />On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod / so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-22.htm">Mark 6:22-26</a></span><br />When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin to wife.</p><p class="hdg">had sword</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1,8,10</a></b></br> Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/4-2.htm">Jeremiah 4:2</a></b></br> And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.</p><p class="hdg">There</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Judges 21:5</a></b></br> And the children of Israel said, Who <i>is there</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/11-30.htm">Judges 11:30,31</a></b></br> And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-24.htm">1 Samuel 14:24,28,29</a></b></br> And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed <i>be</i> the man that eateth <i>any</i> food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted <i>any</i> food… </p><p class="hdg">his daughter</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-12.htm">Exodus 34:12-16</a></b></br> Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2,3</a></b></br> And when the LORD thy God shall deliver them before thee; thou shalt smite them, <i>and</i> utterly destroy them; thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor shew mercy unto them: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/judges/19-24.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/12-9.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/judges/20-3.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/judges/20-3.htm">Mizpeh</a> <a href="/judges/17-2.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/judges/2-15.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/judges/15-6.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/judges/21-17.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/ruth/1-22.htm">Daughter</a> <a href="/judges/21-3.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/21-7.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Mizpah</a> <a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Mizpeh</a> <a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Oath</a> <a href="/judges/21-7.htm">Sworn</a> <a href="/judges/21-18.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-1.htm">The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-8.htm">By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-16.htm">They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath at Mizpah</b><br>The location of Mizpah is significant in Israel's history as a gathering place for the tribes. It was a site of assembly and decision-making, often associated with solemn vows and covenants. The oath taken here reflects the seriousness with which the Israelites approached their communal decisions. Mizpah, meaning "watchtower," served as a strategic and symbolic location, emphasizing vigilance and accountability before God. This oath was a response to the grievous events in Gibeah, where a Levite's concubine was brutally abused, leading to a civil conflict with the tribe of Benjamin.<p><b>saying, “Not one of us will give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite.”</b><br>This vow highlights the severe consequences of the internal strife within Israel. The decision to withhold daughters from the Benjamites was a form of social and familial ostracism, intended to punish the tribe for its association with the atrocity in Gibeah. This reflects the cultural importance of marriage alliances in ancient Israel, which were crucial for maintaining tribal unity and social cohesion. The oath also underscores the gravity of sin and its repercussions on community relationships. Theologically, it illustrates the tension between justice and mercy, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The eventual resolution, where the Israelites find a way to provide wives for the Benjamites, points to the redemptive possibilities even amidst judgment, echoing the broader biblical narrative of restoration.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/men_of_israel.htm">Men of Israel</a></b><br>The collective tribes of Israel, excluding Benjamin, who gathered to address the civil strife within the nation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>A significant gathering place for the Israelites, often used for assemblies and important decisions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/o/oath.htm">Oath</a></b><br>A solemn promise made by the Israelites, reflecting their commitment to not intermarry with the tribe of Benjamin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/benjamites.htm">Benjamites</a></b><br>Members of the tribe of Benjamin, who were nearly annihilated due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/civil_war.htm">Civil War</a></b><br>The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, resulting from a grievous crime committed in Gibeah.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_an_oath.htm">The Weight of an Oath</a></b><br>The Israelites' oath at Mizpah underscores the gravity of making promises before God. It serves as a reminder to consider the implications and consequences of our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_rash_decisions.htm">Consequences of Rash Decisions</a></b><br>The oath led to unforeseen complications, demonstrating the importance of seeking God's wisdom before making hasty decisions, especially in times of emotional distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_division_among_god's_people.htm">Unity and Division Among God's People</a></b><br>The civil war and subsequent oath highlight the dangers of division within the body of believers. It calls us to pursue reconciliation and unity, guided by love and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite human failures and conflicts, God's sovereign plan prevails. This encourages us to trust in His ultimate purpose, even when circumstances seem dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_israelites_seek_peace_in_judges_21.htm">If the Israelites regretted their extreme oath, why didn’t they seek a different resolution instead of resorting to further bloodshed (Judges 21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_violent_vows.htm">How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1–11)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_judges_21_align_with_love.htm">How can a story that endorses forced marriage be harmonized with other biblical teachings on love and compassion (Judges 21)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_promote_abduction_in_judges_21_20-23.htm">Why does the text promote the abduction of women as a solution for the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 21:20–23)? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Had sworn.</span>--The circumstance has not been mentioned in the account of the proceedings at Mizpeh. It is clear from the sequel (<a href="/judges/21-18.htm" title="However, we may not give them wives of our daughters: for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, Cursed be he that gives a wife to Benjamin.">Judges 21:18</a>) that the oath was not only an oath but "a vow under a curse," as in <a href="/acts/23-14.htm" title="And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.">Acts 23:14</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Now the men of Israel</span>, etc. A circumstance not mentioned before is now brought forward, as is another in ver. 5, on which the events about to be narrated in this chapter depend, viz, that the men of Israel had taken two solemn oaths at Mizpeh (<a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Judges 20:1</a>) - the one that no Israelite would give his daughter in marriage to a Benjamite; the other that whosoever did not come up to the national assembly there should be put to death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/21-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now the men</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had sworn an oath</span><br /><span class="heb">נִשְׁבַּ֥ע</span> <span class="translit">(niš·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7650.htm">Strong's 7650: </a> </span><span class="str2">To seven oneself, swear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Mizpah,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמִּצְפָּ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(bam·miṣ·pāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4709.htm">Strong's 4709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mizpah -- the name of several places in Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Not one</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of us</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמֶּ֔נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mim·men·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will give his daughter</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּתּ֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bit·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1323.htm">Strong's 1323: </a> </span><span class="str2">A daughter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in marriage</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to a Benjamite.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִנְיָמִ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇin·yā·min)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1144.htm">Strong's 1144: </a> </span><span class="str2">Benjamin -- 'son of the right hand', youngest son of Jacob, also the name of two other Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/21-1.htm">Judges 21:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/21-1.htm">OT History: Judges 21:1 Now the men of Israel had sworn (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/20-48.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 20:48"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 20:48" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/21-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 21:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 21:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>