1. The sorrow of all Israel (1-14)

In their righteous anger, the men of Israel had made a foolish vow. (1) Now, one tribe of Israel faced extinction. The Israelites made the marriage of the Benjamites their own problem and called for a national assembly. When it was discovered that no one from Jabesh Gilead had come, it was decided that wives for the men of Benjamin must come from this selfish city that didn't care about the agony of their brothers.

2. The girls of Shiloh (15-25)

Still there weren't enough wives. So the Israelites made a suggestion to the Benjamites. (20,21) They followed the advice and went to a festival in Shiloh. They hid, and when the girls of Shiloh came out to dance, each man captured one for himself. Verse 25 is a commentary on the times. God's people needed a shepherd. The stage is set for the establishment of the monarchy.