1 Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, "None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin in marriage."
2 So the people came to Bethel and sat there before God until evening, and lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.
3 They said, "Why, O Lord, God of Israel, has this come about in Israel, so that one tribe should be missing today in Israel?"
4 It came about the next day that the people arose early and built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.
5 Then the sons of Israel said, "Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who did not come up in the assembly to the Lord?" For they had taken a great oath concerning him who did not come up to the Lord at Mizpah, saying, "He shall surely be put to death."
6 And the sons of Israel were sorry for their brother Benjamin and said, "One tribe is cut off from Israel today.
7 What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the Lord not to give them any of our daughters in marriage?"