Judges 21:8

So they asked, "Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?" And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly.

Study Bible

So they asked, “Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up before the LORD at Mizpah?”
This question arises in the aftermath of a civil war within Israel, where the tribe of Benjamin was nearly annihilated. The gathering at Mizpah was a significant assembly where the tribes of Israel convened to address the grievous crime committed in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin. Mizpah, located in the territory of Benjamin, served as a central meeting place for the tribes. The inquiry reflects the seriousness of communal participation in national matters, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility among the tribes. The phrase "come up before the LORD" indicates a religious and covenantal obligation, as the assembly was not merely political but also spiritual, seeking divine guidance and justice.

And, in fact, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly.
Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead, associated with the half-tribe of Manasseh. Its absence from the assembly highlights a breach in the unity and covenantal obligations of the Israelite tribes. Historically, Jabesh-gilead's failure to participate may reflect geographical isolation or political dissent. This absence had significant consequences, as it led to the decision to punish Jabesh-gilead by attacking the city to provide wives for the surviving Benjaminites, illustrating the severe measures taken to restore tribal integrity and continuity. The narrative underscores the theme of communal responsibility and the dire consequences of neglecting covenantal duties.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Tribes of Israel
The collective tribes of Israel, who were bound by covenant to gather for significant events and decisions.

2. Mizpah
A significant gathering place for the Israelites, often used for assemblies and important decisions.

3. Jabesh-gilead
A city in the territory of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, which failed to send representatives to the assembly at Mizpah.

4. The Assembly
A gathering of the Israelites, called to address the crisis concerning the tribe of Benjamin after the civil war.

5. The Oath
The Israelites had sworn an oath at Mizpah not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites, which led to a crisis when they sought to preserve the tribe of Benjamin.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Unity
The absence of Jabesh-gilead highlights the need for unity among God's people. When one part of the body is missing, the whole suffers.

Consequences of Rash Vows
The Israelites' oath at Mizpah had unintended consequences, teaching us to be cautious and prayerful before making commitments.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human failures and conflicts, God's purposes prevail. The preservation of the tribe of Benjamin is a testament to His sovereignty.

Community Responsibility
The Israelites' response to Jabesh-gilead's absence underscores the importance of accountability and participation in the community of faith.

Grace and Restoration
The eventual restoration of the tribe of Benjamin points to God's grace and the possibility of redemption even after severe judgment.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the absence of Jabesh-gilead at the assembly, and how does this apply to our participation in the church community today?

2. How does the account of Jabesh-gilead and the tribe of Benjamin illustrate the consequences of making rash vows or decisions? Can you think of a New Testament teaching that relates to this?

3. In what ways does the unity or disunity of the tribes of Israel reflect the unity of the church as described in the New Testament?

4. How does the eventual restoration of the tribe of Benjamin demonstrate God's grace, and how can this encourage us in our personal lives?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision. How can the lessons from Judges 21:8 guide you in seeking God's wisdom and avoiding rash commitments?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 20
Provides context for the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel, leading to the events in Judges 21.

1 Samuel 11
Describes how the people of Jabesh-gilead later receive help from Saul, highlighting their ongoing relationship with the rest of Israel.

Deuteronomy 23:21-23
Discusses the seriousness of making vows to the LORD, which is relevant to the oath made by the Israelites at Mizpah.