Book of Judges - Chapter 21 - Verse 18

In this verse from the book of Judges, the Israelites have taken an oath not to give their daughters in marriage to the tribe of Benjamin. This oath was a result of a terrible incident which occurred in Gibeah, a town within the territory of Benjamin. In that event, a Levite and his concubine were staying in Gibeah, and the concubine was violently assaulted and died as a result. In response, the tribes of Israel gathered to demand justice for the crime. When the tribe of Benjamin refused to hand over the perpetrators, a war broke out between Benjamin and the rest of Israel. The Israelites ultimately prevailed in battle, but the severity of the situation led them to swear an oath not to allow their daughters to marry into the tribe of Benjamin. This verse reflects the seriousness of their pledge and serves as a reminder of the consequences of breaking oaths and upholding justice.

One theological interpretation of this verse from Judges 21:18-21 is that it reveals the consequences of a previous oath taken by the Israelites. The text explains that the tribe of Benjamin was in need of wives, but the other tribes were unable to provide women for them due to a vow they had made. This oath, which cursed anyone who gave a wife to Benjamin, shows the serious nature of commitments made before God in the Old Testament. The verse highlights the importance of keeping one's word and the severe consequences of breaking a promise. It also raises questions about the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which our decisions can have far-reaching effects on others. This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the power of words and the need to think carefully before making solemn declarations.