Judges 21:3 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:3 mean?

Judges 21:3 shows the Israelites crying out to God, deeply troubled that one of their own tribes is now missing from Israel. They are asking God why such a tragic event has happened, leaving the nation incomplete.

The people speaking are the Israelites, gathered at Mizpah after a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin. In their grief, they realize the consequences of their actions: the tribe of Benjamin has been nearly wiped out, and now Israel is missing one of its twelve tribes. This verse captures their sorrow and confusion as they appeal to God about the loss and brokenness among their people.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:3

• LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, often used when the text wants to stress God's covenant relationship with Israel. Here, it highlights the seriousness and intimacy of the Israelites' plea.
• lacking (נָפַד, pāqad): This word often means "missing" or "lacking," but it can also carry the sense of being "visited" or "accounted for." In this context, it stresses the absence of an entire tribe, not just a few individuals, making the loss feel even more severe.

Why Judges 21:3 matters

• This verse highlights the deep regret and sorrow of the Israelites after their own actions led to the near destruction of a tribe, showing that even justified anger can have terrible consequences.
• The question "why is this come to pass" reveals the Israelites' struggle to understand God's role in their suffering and the brokenness within their community.
• Judges 21:3 sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where the Israelites try to find a way to restore the tribe of Benjamin and heal the divisions among themselves.