שופטים, פרק כ״א, פסוק כ״ה

The conclusion of the era of the Judges reflects a highly complex reality defined by the complete absence of a national framework [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A profound leadership void plagued the nation, as no king, judge, or central figure had yet emerged to guide the people on the proper path. This fragile state of affairs would persist until the rise of Samuel the Prophet, whose story immediately follows [רד״ק]. Without a structured system to unite or direct them, society fell into a state where individuals simply acted however they saw fit [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Yet, this lack of central authority also highlights a surprising angle of restraint and compassion at the close of this historical chapter. While every person operated independently without a governing body, the broader nation chose not to exploit this unregulated environment. Specifically, they did not take advantage of the vulnerable tribe of Benjamin. Although the tribe had been nearly wiped out with only a small number of survivors remaining, the Israelites took pity on them. Instead of seizing the unprotected land for themselves, they allowed the survivors to keep their entire original territory [מצודת דוד].