Judges 21:10

So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men and commanded them: "Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead, including women and children.

Study Bible

So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men
This phrase indicates a collective decision by the Israelites, emphasizing unity in action. The number 12,000 may symbolize completeness or divine order, as the number 12 often represents the tribes of Israel. The term "valiant men" suggests warriors of proven courage and skill, reflecting the seriousness of the mission. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God’s people are called to act decisively, such as the selection of warriors in Gideon's army (Judges 7).

and commanded them:
The use of "commanded" implies a directive with authority, reflecting the leadership structure within the Israelite community. This command comes from the assembly, showing a collective responsibility and decision-making process. It highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for obedience to communal decisions, akin to the commands given by Moses or Joshua in earlier biblical narratives.

“Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead,
Jabesh-gilead was a city east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gilead. This location is significant in Israel's history, later becoming a place of refuge for Saul's bones (1 Samuel 31:11-13). The command to "put to the sword" indicates a complete destruction, a practice seen in other biblical accounts such as the conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 7:2). This reflects the severity of the situation and the perceived need for purging sin from among the people, reminiscent of the herem or ban in ancient Israelite warfare.

including women and children.
The inclusion of women and children in this command underscores the totality of the judgment. This harsh measure reflects the gravity of the offense in the eyes of the Israelites, possibly linked to the failure of Jabesh-gilead to support the collective action against Benjamin. It echoes other instances in Scripture where entire populations were devoted to destruction, such as the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). This phrase challenges modern readers to grapple with the complexities of divine justice and mercy as understood in the ancient context.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Tribe of Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to their involvement in a grievous sin and subsequent war with the other tribes.

3. Jabesh-gilead
A city in Gilead whose inhabitants did not join the assembly at Mizpah, leading to their punishment by the Israelites.

4. Mizpah
The gathering place where the Israelites assembled to decide the fate of the tribe of Benjamin.

5. The Assembly
The collective decision-making body of the Israelites, representing the tribes in their deliberations and actions.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
The Israelites' decision to punish Jabesh-gilead highlights the serious consequences of failing to align with God's people and purposes.

The Complexity of Justice
The actions taken against Jabesh-gilead and Benjamin illustrate the challenges in administering justice, especially when it involves fellow believers.

The Importance of Unity
The absence of Jabesh-gilead at Mizpah underscores the need for unity among God's people, particularly in times of crisis.

Redemption and Restoration
Despite the harsh judgment, the later involvement of Jabesh-gilead in Israel's history points to God's ability to redeem and restore.

Reflecting on Collective Responsibility
The passage encourages believers to consider their role within the community of faith and the impact of collective decisions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the punishment of Jabesh-gilead reflect the broader theme of obedience and disobedience in the book of Judges?

2. In what ways does the account of Jabesh-gilead and Benjamin challenge our understanding of justice and mercy?

3. How can the need for unity among the Israelites be applied to the modern church's efforts to maintain unity in diversity?

4. What lessons can we learn from the eventual redemption of Jabesh-gilead in the context of God's overarching plan for His people?

5. How does the concept of collective responsibility in Judges 21:10 relate to the New Testament teachings on the body of Christ and communal accountability?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 13
This passage discusses the punishment for cities that turn away from God, similar to the punishment of Jabesh-gilead for not joining the assembly.

1 Samuel 11
This chapter recounts how the people of Jabesh-gilead later play a significant role in the account of Saul, showing a redemptive arc for the city.

Judges 20
Provides context for the events leading up to Judges 21:10, detailing the civil war and the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin.