Judges 21:24
And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.
Judges 21:24 · King James Version
Meaning
After the Israelites received their inheritance in the Promised Land, they departed to their respective tribes and families. This verse signifies a sense of unity and community among the Israelites, as they returned to their ancestral lands to establish their inheritance. It also highlights the organization and order present within the Israelite society, with each person knowing their place and purpose within the larger community. By emphasizing that each man went to his own inheritance, the verse showcases the fulfillment of God's promise to the Israelites to give them the land of Canaan as their possession. This act of returning to their inheritances serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and provision to His people, reinforcing the importance of family, tribe, and heritage in the life of the Israelites.
Theological Overview
One of the key theological interpretations of this verse in the context of the Book of Joshua is the idea of inheritance. In the Old Testament, inheritance was not only about land or possessions but also about receiving God's promises and blessings. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel was not just a distribution of physical territory, but a fulfillment of God's covenant with His people. Each tribe received a specific portion of land as an inheritance, symbolizing the unique role and relationship they had with God. Furthermore, the concept of family and tribal identity was crucial in maintaining the unity and cohesion of the Israelite community. By returning to their tribes and families, the children of Israel acknowledged their place within the larger social and spiritual framework established by God.
Judges 21:24 in other translations
American Standard Version
And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.
World English Bible
The children of Israel departed there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance.
Douay-Rheims
The children of Israel also returned by their tribes, and families, to their dwellings. In those days there was no king in Israel: but every one did that which seemed right to himself.
Geneva Bible (1599)
So the children of Israel departed thence at that time, euery man to his tribe, and to his familie, and went out from thence euery man to his inheritance.