Judges 21:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The tears that were shed stirred deep anguish within the spirit and deepened love; rage was supplanted by wisdom, prompting the sending of messengers to the six hundred men of Benjamin, who had taken refuge in the rocks for four months amidst the desolation of the wilderness— their presence being the only thing deterring the aggressors. They conveyed their sorrow over this shared suffering, as some had experienced the loss of fellow countrymen, while others mourned for close relatives and allies. Yet, the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin had not been wholly extinguished: they collectively determined that their vow would remain steadfast, ensuring that one tribe, as a portion of the unified whole, would not be annihilated.