Judges 21:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After the conflict concluded, the wrath and fury transformed into genuine contrition. As they sheathed their weapons and united, the men of Israel wept deeply, mourning the loss of one of their own tribes and lamenting the defeat of their mighty force. Despite justly opposing the wrongdoers and seeking to avenge their actions, the nation fell into internal strife, causing them to inflict wounds upon themselves. The tears they wept stirred the spirit of suffering and fostered an even greater love among them.