Judges 21:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The tears shed stirred the sorrow of the spirit and deepened affection; anger gave way to wisdom. They sent messengers to the six hundred men of Benjamin, who had been concealed among the cliffs for four months in the desolation of the wilderness—elements that had restrained the attackers. They conveyed their sorrow for this shared tragedy, as some mourned the loss of their fellow countrymen, while others grieved for their relatives and allies. Nonetheless, the lineage of the tribe of Benjamin would not be entirely eradicated; they agreed among themselves that their oath would remain binding, ensuring that one tribe, as part of the unified body, would not face annihilation.