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 21:15 The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/21-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/07_Jdg_21_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 21:15 - Wives for the Benjamites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel." /><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/21-15.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/21-15.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 15</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="/ad15.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/21-14.htm" title="Judges 21:14">◄</a> Judges 21:15 <a href="/judges/21-16.htm" title="Judges 21:16">►</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 people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The people felt sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had made this gap among the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people had compassion on Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the people were sorry for Benjamin, because the LORD had created a gap in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And the people were sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the people were sorry for Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the people were sorry for Benjamin because Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And the people were sorry [and had compassion] for [the survivors of the tribe of] Benjamin because the LORD had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people had compassion on Benjamin, because the LORD had made this gap in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people had compassion on Benjamin, because the LORD had made this gap in the tribes of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that Jehovah had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The Israelites were very sad, because the LORD had almost wiped out one of their tribes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The congregation felt sorry for the people of Benjamin because the LORD had broken the unity of the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people felt sorry for the Benjaminites because the LORD had broken the unity of the tribes of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The people felt sorry for the tribe of Benjamin because the LORD had broken one of the tribes of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The people regretted what had happened to Benjamin because the LORD had weakened the Israelite tribes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The people grieved for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a gap in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the people repented for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people grieved for Benjamin, because Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. <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 people sighed concerning Benjamin, for YHWH had made a breach among the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the people repented concerning Benjamin, for Jehovah had made a breach among the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the people lamented for Benjamin, because Jehovah made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And all Israel was very sorry, and repented for the destroying of one tribe out of Israel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And all of Israel was very saddened, and they did penance for destroying one tribe out of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The people had regrets about Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach among the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The people had compassion on Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the people were sorry for Benjamin, because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the people were grieved for Benjamin, because LORD JEHOVAH made a breach in the tribes of Israel<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the people relented for Benjamin, because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/21-15.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=6545" 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">14</span>And at that time the Benjamites returned and were given the women who were spared from Jabesh-gilead. But there were not enough women for all of them. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: wə·hā·‘ām (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">The people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5162.htm" title="5162: ni·ḥām (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sigh, i.e. Breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. to pity, console or rue; or to avenge.">grieved</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.">for Benjamin,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ā·śāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had made</a> <a href="/hebrew/6556.htm" title="6556: pe·reṣ (N-ms) -- A bursting forth, breach. From parats; a break.">a void</a> <a href="/hebrew/7626.htm" title="7626: bə·šiḇ·ṭê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe. From an unused root probably meaning to branch off; a scion, i.e. a stick Or a clan.">in the tribes</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> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Then the elders of the congregation said, “What should we do about wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?”…<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="/genesis/6-6.htm">Genesis 6:6</a></span><br />And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-35.htm">1 Samuel 15:35</a></span><br />And to the day of his death, Samuel never again visited Saul. Samuel mourned for Saul, and the LORD regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-16.htm">2 Samuel 24:16</a></span><br />But when the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the LORD relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand now!” At that time the angel of the LORD was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/3-10.htm">Jonah 3:10</a></span><br />When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">Matthew 9:36</a></span><br />When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41-44</a></span><br />As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it / and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. / For the days will come upon you when your enemies will barricade you and surround you and hem you in on every side. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/11-8.htm">Hosea 11:8</a></span><br />How could I give you up, O Ephraim? How could I surrender you, O Israel? How could I make you like Admah? How could I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me; My compassion is stirred!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-20.htm">Jeremiah 31:20</a></span><br />Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/63-9.htm">Isaiah 63:9</a></span><br />In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-33.htm">Lamentations 3:33</a></span><br />For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the sons of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-23.htm">Ezekiel 18:23</a></span><br />Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Lord GOD. Wouldn’t I prefer that he turn from his ways and live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-2.htm">Romans 9:2</a></span><br />I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-45.htm">Psalm 106:45</a></span><br />And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.</p><p class="hdg">repented</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Judges 21:6,17</a></b></br> And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day… </p><p class="hdg">a breach</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/13-11.htm">1 Chronicles 13:11</a></b></br> And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/15-13.htm">1 Chronicles 15:13</a></b></br> For because ye <i>did it</i> not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-13.htm">Isaiah 30:13</a></b></br> Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/21-14.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/joshua/22-22.htm">Breach</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/judges/16-1.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/judges/10-7.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/21-16.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/2_samuel/5-20.htm">Breach</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-21.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/judges/21-17.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-16.htm">Loose</a> <a href="/ruth/1-19.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-15.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-11.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/judges/21-24.htm">Tribes</a> <a href="/1_samuel/20-34.htm">Wrath</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>The people grieved for Benjamin</b><br>The Israelites mourned for the tribe of Benjamin, recognizing the near extinction of one of their own tribes. This grief reflects the deep familial and covenantal bonds within the twelve tribes of Israel. Historically, the tribe of Benjamin was nearly annihilated due to a civil war sparked by the grievous sin in Gibeah (Judges 19-20). The mourning indicates a realization of the severity of their actions and the loss of a brotherly tribe. This grief can be compared to the mourning over lost unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, as seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-26.htm">1 Corinthians 12:26</a>, where if one part suffers, every part suffers with it.<p><b>because the LORD had made a void in the tribes of Israel</b><br>The phrase acknowledges divine sovereignty in the events that transpired. The "void" or gap in the tribes signifies the absence of Benjamin, highlighting the consequences of sin and disobedience. This void serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and the dangers of internal strife. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God allows certain events to unfold as a means of discipline or to fulfill His purposes, as seen in <a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a>. The void also foreshadows the need for restoration and reconciliation, themes central to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who came to restore what was lost and to reconcile humanity to God (<a href="/2_corinthians/5-18.htm">2 Corinthians 5:18-19</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The collective tribes of Israel who had gathered to address the issue of the tribe of Benjamin after the civil war.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tribe_of_benjamin.htm">The Tribe of Benjamin</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to the conflict arising from the incident at Gibeah.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant God of Israel, who is acknowledged as having allowed the void or gap in the tribes.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>The place where the Israelites had gathered to discuss the fate of Benjamin and seek a solution.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_civil_war.htm">The Civil War</a></b><br>The conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes, resulting in significant loss and the near extinction of Benjamin.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/grief_and_compassion.htm">Grief and Compassion</a></b><br>The Israelites' grief for Benjamin highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, even towards those who have erred. We are called to mourn with those who mourn and seek restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_sovereignty.htm">Divine Sovereignty</a></b><br>The acknowledgment that "the LORD had made a void" reminds us of God's sovereignty. Even in judgment, God has a purpose and plan for restoration.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_responsibility.htm">Community Responsibility</a></b><br>The Israelites' collective response to the crisis shows the importance of community responsibility. We are accountable for one another's well-being and must work towards healing and unity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_restoration.htm">Repentance and Restoration</a></b><br>The situation with Benjamin underscores the need for repentance and the hope of restoration. God desires to restore what is broken when we turn back to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_desolation.htm">Hope in Desolation</a></b><br>Despite the void, there is hope. God's plans are redemptive, and He can bring life and purpose out of desolation.<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_does_judges_1_show_partial_victories.htm">Why does Judges 1 focus on partial victories and failures if God had promised total victory, raising questions about divine promises versus historical outcomes?</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/how_did_26,000_benjamites_resist_israel.htm">Judges 20:15 - How could only 26,000 men from Benjamin withstand the combined forces of Israel for so long, given the massive numerical imbalance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_israel's_defeats_first.htm">Judges 20:18-23 - Why would God direct Israel to attack Benjamin, allow defeat twice, and then finally grant them victory on the third attempt?</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>(15) <span class= "bld">The Lord had made a breach.</span>--The breach (<span class= "ital">perets, </span><a href="/1_kings/11-24.htm" title="And he gathered men to him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and dwelled therein, and reigned in Damascus.">1Kings 11:24</a>) had been caused by their own headstrong fury and unreasoning passion, even though it had been in a righteous cause; but in the Hebrew conception the results even of man's sin and follies is referred to Jehovah as overruled by Him (<a href="/amos/3-6.htm" title="Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD has not done it?">Amos 3:6</a>; <a href="/isaiah/45-7.htm" title="I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.">Isaiah 45:7</a>). It was therefore needless, and not quite honest of St. Jerome in the Vulg., to omit <span class= "ital">"</span>the Lord."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/21-15.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">The people</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָעָ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grieved</span><br /><span class="heb">נִחָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(ni·ḥām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5162.htm">Strong's 5162: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for Benjamin,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבִנְיָמִ֑ן</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 /><br /><span class="word">because</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had made</span><br /><span class="heb">עָשָׂ֧ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·śāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a void</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֖רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(pe·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6556.htm">Strong's 6556: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bursting forth, breach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the tribes</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשִׁבְטֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šiḇ·ṭê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7626.htm">Strong's 7626: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/21-15.htm">Judges 21:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/21-15.htm">OT History: Judges 21:15 The people grieved for Benjamin because that (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/21-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 21:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 21:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/21-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 21:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 21:16" /></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>