Definition: Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:16. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible about how to handle a situation involving women who are involved with men from the tribe of Benjamin. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Benjamin was a tribe: The verse is set during a time when Benjamin’s tribe was experiencing problems – they were losing members and facing difficulties. Women are being harmed: There were women from this tribe who were involved with men from other tribes, and those men were causing trouble. These women were being treated badly or even killed. What the Elders Said: They felt helpless: The elders of the congregation – a group of leaders – realized they couldn’t do anything to protect these women. They were facing a terrible situation. They asked for a solution: They needed a plan, and they looked to God for guidance. The Key Interpretation - It's About Protecting the Women: The verse essentially says: “We need to figure out how to care for the women who are being harmed by these men from Benjamin.” It’s not about just letting them be – it’s about providing protection and support. What did they suggest? They needed to find a way to help the women: This is the core of the verse. They needed to figure out how to assist these women and prevent further harm. Important Note: It's a Warning About Leadership & Responsibility This verse is significant because it highlights a crucial point about leadership and responsibility. It shows that when difficult situations arise, those in charge (the elders) have a moral obligation to act. They need to take action to protect the vulnerable – women in this case. In short, the verse tells us that leaders must step up and help those who are being harmed, especially women who are caught in a dangerous situation. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a biblical scholar. This explanation is based on commonly accepted interpretations of the text within biblical scholarship. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help answer? For example, would you like me to: Explain it in more detail? Compare it to other verses? Discuss its historical context?