Judges 21:12

So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh in the land of Canaan.

Study Bible

So they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead
Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead. It was part of the tribe of Manasseh's inheritance. The city had failed to send representatives to the assembly at Mizpah, which led to the decision to punish them. This reflects the tribal disunity and moral chaos during the period of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The city later becomes significant in the story of King Saul, who rescues it from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11).

four hundred young women who had not had relations with a man
The emphasis on the women being virgins is significant in the context of ancient Israelite culture, where virginity was highly valued, especially in the context of marriage. This detail also underscores the tragic nature of the events, as these women were taken from their homes to become wives for the Benjaminites, highlighting the desperate measures taken to preserve the tribe of Benjamin after the civil war.

and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh
Shiloh was an important religious center during this time, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. It was located in the hill country of Ephraim. Bringing the women to Shiloh may indicate an attempt to legitimize the actions taken by seeking divine approval or blessing, as Shiloh was a place where people sought God's guidance.

in the land of Canaan
The reference to Canaan situates the narrative within the broader context of the Israelite conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. It serves as a reminder of the incomplete conquest and the ongoing struggles with the Canaanite culture and practices, which often led the Israelites away from their covenant with God. The land of Canaan is also a type of the spiritual inheritance promised to believers, symbolizing the rest and blessings found in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jabesh-gilead
A city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River. It was known for its later connection to King Saul.

2. Shiloh
An ancient city in the land of Canaan, significant as a religious center where the Tabernacle was located before the temple was built in Jerusalem.

3. The Benjamites
The tribe of Benjamin, which faced near extinction due to a civil war with the other Israelite tribes.

4. The Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who sought to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites after the civil war.

5. The Young Virgins
Four hundred young women from Jabesh-gilead who were taken to be wives for the Benjamites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin and Disobedience
The events in Judges 21 highlight the severe consequences of Israel's disobedience and moral decline, leading to civil war and the near extinction of a tribe.

God's Sovereignty and Mercy
Despite the chaos and sinfulness of the situation, God's sovereignty is evident as He preserves the tribe of Benjamin, showing His mercy and faithfulness to His covenant people.

The Importance of Community and Reconciliation
The Israelites' efforts to restore the tribe of Benjamin underscore the importance of community and reconciliation within the body of believers.

The Role of Women in Biblical Narratives
The young virgins from Jabesh-gilead remind us of the often difficult and complex roles women played in biblical history, prompting us to consider their dignity and value.

The Need for Godly Leadership
The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to moral chaos, highlighting the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and wisdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the account of the young virgins from Jabesh-gilead teach us about the consequences of collective sin and disobedience in a community?

2. How can the preservation of the tribe of Benjamin be seen as an example of God's mercy and faithfulness, and how does this apply to our lives today?

3. In what ways does the account of Judges 21 challenge us to pursue reconciliation and unity within our own communities and churches?

4. How can we ensure that we are valuing and honoring the roles of women in our biblical understanding and in our church communities?

5. What lessons can we learn from the lack of godly leadership in Israel during this time, and how can we apply these lessons to our own roles as leaders or members of a community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and the subsequent actions of her brothers, which also involves themes of inter-tribal conflict and the consequences of violence.

1 Samuel 11
The rescue of Jabesh-gilead by Saul, showing the city's continued significance in Israel's history.

Judges 20
The preceding chapter provides context for the civil war and the near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin.

Deuteronomy 21
Instructions regarding captives and marriage, which can provide insight into the cultural and legal backdrop of the events in Judges 21.