What does Judges 21:24 mean?
"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
The Bible verse Judges 21:24 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "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."
The book of Judges in the Old Testament of the Bible is a historical and moral narrative that follows the time after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites were settling in the Promised Land. During this period, the Israelites experienced a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The verse in question is found at the end of the book and describes the events that took place after a civil war and the rescue of the daughters of Shiloh.
The context of this verse is essential for a full understanding of its meaning. In the preceding chapters of Judges, the Israelites had gone to war against one of their own tribes, Benjamin, due to a very serious crime. The other tribes had effectively exterminated the tribe of Benjamin, leaving only a remnant of 600 men. The other tribes then realized that they had virtually eliminated an entire tribe from Israel and were filled with remorse. In order to remedy the situation, they devised a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites by allowing them to abduct women from a festival at Shiloh. This strategy raised moral questions and exposed the depths of the depravity of the Israelites during this time.
The final verse of the book of Judges serves as a conclusion to the narrative and signifies a return to the established order. The phrase "every man to his tribe and to his family" indicates a reestablishment of the connections and responsibilities within the tribes of Israel. This demonstrates a return to the normal familial and societal structures, which had been disrupted by the preceding events. The mention of "inheritance" also serves as a reminder of the Israelites' connection to the land that was promised to them by God and the importance of preserving their tribal territories and family heritages.
Furthermore, the verse highlights the cyclical nature of the book of Judges and emphasizes the importance of maintaining social order and morality. The repeated disobedience of the Israelites, followed by oppression and subsequent deliverance, demonstrates the pattern of divine judgment and mercy that characterizes the entire book. This verse marks the end of a tumultuous period in Israel's history and signals a return to a more stable and peaceful state.
Symbolically, this verse can also be interpreted as a representation of the importance of unity and responsibility within the community. The emphasis on each man returning to his tribe and family suggests the value of maintaining strong familial and communal ties. Additionally, the idea of returning to one's inheritance conveys the significance of preserving the land and heritage that had been given to the Israelites by God.
In conclusion, the verse Judges 21:24 from the King James Version of the Bible encapsulates the conclusion of the book of Judges and the return to order and stability after a tumultuous period in Israel's history. Its themes of social order, familial responsibility, and the cyclical nature of divine judgment and mercy are essential for understanding its deeper meaning within the larger context of the book. This verse represents a turning point for the Israelites as they reestablish their tribal and familial connections and seek to restore the moral and social harmony that had been disrupted.
Have questions about Judges 21:24?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Judges 21:24 Artwork
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."
"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
John 7:24 - "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."
Luke 21:24
Genesis 24-21
Genesis 21-24
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." - John 7:24
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
Judges 21:9 - "For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there."
Judges 18:21 - "So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them."
Job 9:24 - "The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where, and who is he?"
Judges 13:24 - "¶ And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him."
Judges 21:17 - "And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel."
1 Samuel 24:15 - "The LORD therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of thine hand."
Judges 9:21 - "And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother."
Judges 6:24 - "Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites."
Judges 21:15 - "And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel."
Genesis 21:24 - "And Abraham said, I will swear."
Judges 21:25 - "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Judges 5:24 - "Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be, blessed shall she be above women in the tent."
Judges 21:21 - "And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin."
Judges 21:4 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings."
Judges 7:21 - "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."
Judges 4:24 - "And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan."
Judges 13:21 - "But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD."
Joshua 24:1 - "And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God."
Judges 21:6 - "And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day."
Judges 21:2 - "And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;"
Judges 21:13 - "And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them."