Definition: And they said, [There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 21:17. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about how to handle a situation where someone who is related to Benjamin (a significant figure in the Old Testament) gets separated from the rest of Israel. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Benjamin was involved in a conflict: The verse describes a situation where Benjamin, a man with family ties to Israel, got lost or separated from his group during a time of trouble. They needed a solution: The people who were involved – the “they” – realized that if this happened again, it could lead to the destruction of an entire tribe (a group of people) in Israel. It was a serious concern for their safety and future. Let's unpack it further: “And they said…” : This indicates that these individuals were discussing and planning what to do. They weren’t just reacting; they were thinking ahead. “[There must be] an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin…” : This is the core of the message. They believed that someone who was related to Benjamin would need a way to be protected or given a place within the group, so it doesn't become a problem. “that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel.” : This is the crucial part. It means that they needed to find a way to ensure that this person doesn’t become a problem for the entire tribe of Israel. It emphasizes protecting them from potential trouble or conflict within their own community. What does this tell us about leadership and responsibility? This verse highlights several important themes: Careful planning: It shows that leaders needed to be thoughtful about how to deal with difficult situations involving family relationships. Protecting the group: The primary goal was to safeguard the well-being of Israel, even if it meant taking a proactive step to prevent potential trouble within their own community. In short, this verse is about preventing a significant problem from escalating and impacting the entire tribe of Israel. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in biblical history?