1. Judges 21:13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

On what basis did the congregation declare peace?

Judges 21:13 (ESV)

13 Then the whole congregation sent word to the people of Benjamin who were at the rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them.

This declaration of peace was in effect a reinstating of Benjamin as covenant brothers. But on what basis? Benjamin had not repented; they had not indicated they were wrong to take sides with Gibeah earlier. We have come across no indication of a change of heart. So this declaration of peace may simply be a sign of Israel’s fatigue with fighting.