Judges 21:1
Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.
Judges 21:1 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpeh, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife." is found in the Book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible. This verse describes a solemn oath taken by the men of Israel after a war between the tribes of Israel. The tribe of Benjamin had committed a grave sin, and as punishment, the other tribes had resolved not to allow their daughters to marry men from the tribe of Benjamin. This decision was a way for the men of Israel to show their disapproval of the actions of the tribe of Benjamin and to isolate them as a form of punishment. This verse is a reflection of the importance of honoring oaths and agreements in biblical times and demonstrates the consequences of disobedience to God's laws. It also serves as a reminder of the severity of the consequences of sin and the importance of upholding righteousness and justice.
Theological Overview
When the men of Israel gathered at Mizpeh, they made a solemn vow not to allow any of their daughters to marry a man from the tribe of Benjamin. This decision was made as a consequence of the sinful acts committed by the men of Benjamin, particularly the heinous crime of the men of Gibeah against a Levite's concubine (Judges 19:22-30). The men of Israel were determined to punish Benjamin for their wrongdoing and to uphold justice and righteousness. By refusing to allow their daughters to marry men from Benjamin, they were ensuring that the tribe would face consequences for their actions. This episode in Israel's history serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals and communities accountable for their sins and remaining steadfast in upholding moral standards. It also highlights the severity of the circumstances that led to such a drastic decision being made.
Judges 21:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give his daughter unto Benjamin to wife.
World English Bible
Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “There shall not any of us give his daughter to Benjamin as wife.”
Douay-Rheims
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.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Moreouer, the men of Israel sware in Mizpeh, saying, None of vs shall giue his daughter vnto the Beniamites to wyfe.