Judges 21:3

And said, O Lord God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?

Cross-reference

Judges 17:6 Historical context

Judges 17:6 explains the era: no king, everyone did right in their own eyes — this moral chaos underlies the tragedy in Judges 21.

In Joshua 7:7-9, Joshua similarly cries out 'why' after a defeat — both are laments over a covenant disaster with a missing tribe or defeat.

Isaiah 63:17 asks why God hardens hearts — both question God's role in Israel's suffering.

In Deuteronomy 29:24, the same 'why' question is asked about God's judgment on the land — both lament unexplained divine wrath against Israel.

Psalm 74:1 Parallel

Psalm 74:1 opens with the same lament: 'Why have you rejected us?' — both question God's rejection of His people.