Judges 21:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Choosing not to make oaths provides a genuinely secure refuge, one where individuals are not overwhelmed by turbulent winds. Even when anger, animosity, or similar emotions arise, the spirit remains protected, allowing it to refrain from speaking what it should not, since it is not bound by want or the law. What hardships did the tribes of Israel endure because of the vow concerning the tribe of Benjamin? Indeed, the vow acts as a snare of the adversary. Let us break these chains and position ourselves in a manner that makes it easier to resist such temptations.

A solemn covenant was established, prohibiting any individual from allowing his daughter to wed a man from that tribe, effectively removing all prospects for their restoration.

The tribe of Benjamin faced consequences, one of which was the imposition of a rule that forbade any man from marrying his daughter to a member of that tribe. This decree was confirmed with a vow. However, later, feeling distressed over having imposed such a harsh penalty on their kin, the Israelites decided to lessen its harshness.