Book of Judges - Chapter 21 - Verse 23

After the Benjamites were allowed to take wives from the women of Jabesh-gilead, they followed the instructions given by the other tribes of Israel. They found wives for themselves among the women who were dancing at the yearly festival in Shiloh. The Benjamites then returned to their own land with their new wives and settled once again in their cities. They started to rebuild and repair the cities that had been destroyed during the war with the other tribes. This shows that the tribe of Benjamin was able to survive and thrive once again, despite the devastating consequences of their rebellion against the rest of Israel. The verse highlights the importance of unity and forgiveness among the tribes of Israel, as well as the willingness to rebuild and start anew after difficult times.

In this passage, the children of Benjamin are portrayed as taking wives from among those dancing at a festival. The word "caught" used in the verse can be interpreted as a forceful or sudden action, indicating that the Benjaminites seized their wives in a way that may not have been entirely consensual. This action raises ethical and moral questions about the treatment of women in ancient times. It also highlights the importance of understanding the cultural context of the time when interpreting biblical passages. Additionally, the mention of the Benjaminites returning to their inheritance, repairing cities, and dwelling in them implies a sense of continuity and stability within the tribe despite the controversial method through which they acquired wives. This verse serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges present in reconciling ancient customs with modern values when studying and interpreting religious texts.