1. Juges 21:16–18 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What do we make of the elders’ initial thoughts?

Juges 21:16–18 (NEG79)

16 Les anciens de l'assemblée dirent: Que ferons-nous pour procurer des femmes à ceux qui restent, puisque les femmes de Benjamin ont été détruites?

In an effort to try and fix the breach, the most senior members of the congregation—the elders—bring their wisdom to bear on the situation. But all they can do at first is simply restate the problem: how can we provide wives for the remaining Benjamites, since we have taken the oath? This is the basic thrust of Judges 21:16–18). It is as though they have currently run out of ideas, and are faced with a problem that is now more unsolvable than before.