Judges 21:21

Cebuano CBV - Unknown

What Does This Mean?

This verse instructs the men of Benjamin to wait until the young women of Shiloh come out to dance and then to grab one of them as their wife. The speaker is not explicitly mentioned, but it is part of a larger story where the men of Benjamin are given permission to take wives from the women of Shiloh.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where you have to catch your partner for a dance. In this story, some men are told to watch for a dance party and catch a girl to be their wife. It's a bit like a game of tag, but it's serious and about finding wives for the men.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges, written by Samuel or another prophet, recounts this event around the 11th century BCE. The audience was the early Israelites. The cultural setting involves tribal societies where arranged marriages and tribal alliances were common.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to the idea of making connections and finding partners in social settings. Instead of grabbing, it's about respectfully meeting and engaging with others in community events.

Topics

marriagecommunitysocial normstribal customsloveIsraelite history

Related Verses

Genesis 29:21Exodus 21:10Ruth 1:161 Corinthians 7:39Ephesians 5:25

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the men of Benjamin need to find wives?
The men of Benjamin were in a difficult situation where they needed to rebuild their tribe. This event was part of a larger narrative where they were given permission to take wives from the women of Shiloh to continue their lineage.
How was this practice of taking wives viewed in the ancient world?
In the ancient world, arranged marriages and tribal alliances were common. This practice was seen as a way to secure alliances and ensure the survival of the tribe.
What can we learn about social norms from this verse?
We can learn about the social norms of ancient Israel, where marriages were often arranged and community events like dances played a role in matchmaking.
How does this relate to the broader themes of the Book of Judges?
This verse relates to the broader themes of tribal conflict and resolution in the Book of Judges, showing how the Israelites dealt with internal conflicts and the need for tribal unity and survival.
Compare Judges 21:21 across all translations →