A short Insight into SHOFTIM, Chapter 21 By Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

At the beginning of our chapter we read the culmination of the story of “Pilegesh B'giva”. B'nei Yisrael take an oath not to give any of their daughters to the remnants of shevet Binyamin - six hundred men. Subsequently, they gathered at Mishkan Shiloh and cried, asking, “Why, Hashem, has this happened in Israel, that one of tribe of Israel should be missing in Israel today?” The Metzudas Dovid adds, “It is as if they were asking for guidance how to enable the tribe to survive.” We can understand this request of desperation through the words of the Malbim. The Malbim emphasizes the importance to the nation as a whole of not losing even one tribe. “This is a damage that can not be repaired,” relates the Malbim, “and desecrates the splendor of Yaakov and the holiness of Israel forever.” As Chazal teach, the Divine presence will not dwell upon the nation unless there are twelve tribes in existence.