Judges 21:9

For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there.

Study Bible

For when the people were counted
In the context of ancient Israel, counting or taking a census was a significant event, often associated with military or religious purposes. In this instance, the counting was related to the aftermath of a civil conflict within Israel. The act of counting the people reflects the need for accountability and understanding the full scope of the tribes' participation in the assembly. This echoes other biblical instances where censuses were taken, such as in Numbers 1, where God commands Moses to count the Israelites for military organization.

none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there
Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gilead. Its absence from the assembly is significant, as it indicates a lack of participation in the collective action of the tribes of Israel. Historically, Jabesh-gilead had connections with the tribe of Benjamin, which may explain their absence due to the conflict against Benjamin. This absence led to severe consequences for Jabesh-gilead, as seen in the subsequent verses. The city later plays a role in the narrative of King Saul, who rescues it from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11), highlighting its ongoing significance in Israel's history.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israelites
The collective tribes of Israel who are gathered at Mizpah to address the issue of the tribe of Benjamin.

2. Benjamin
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, which faced near extinction due to a civil war with the other tribes.

3. Mizpah
A significant gathering place for the Israelites, where they often assembled for important decisions and events.

4. Gibeah
The city in Benjamin where a grievous crime occurred, leading to the conflict between Benjamin and the other tribes.

5. Jabesh-gilead
A city that did not send representatives to the assembly at Mizpah, leading to further actions by the Israelites.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin and Disunity
The near destruction of the tribe of Benjamin serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and disunity among God's people. It calls us to seek reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.

The Importance of Obedience and Participation
Jabesh-gilead's failure to participate in the assembly at Mizpah led to severe consequences. This teaches us the importance of being actively involved in the community of believers and obeying God's call.

God's Mercy and Restoration
Despite the severe judgment, God provides a way for the tribe of Benjamin to be restored. This illustrates God's mercy and His desire to restore and redeem His people, even after severe discipline.

The Role of Leadership in Crisis
The events highlight the need for wise and godly leadership during times of crisis. Leaders must seek God's guidance to make decisions that align with His will and promote healing and restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin illustrate the consequences of sin and disunity among God's people?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are actively participating in and contributing to the unity of our church community?

3. How does the account of Benjamin's restoration reflect God's mercy and desire for redemption in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' response to Jabesh-gilead's absence, and how can we apply these lessons to our involvement in church activities?

5. How can we, as leaders or members of a community, seek God's guidance to make decisions that promote healing and restoration during times of conflict?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 20
Provides context for the events in Judges 21, detailing the conflict between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes.

1 Samuel 11
Describes a later event where Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, rescues Jabesh-gilead, showing a restoration of relationships.

Genesis 49:27
Jacob's prophecy about Benjamin being a ravenous wolf, which can be seen as a foreshadowing of the tribe's aggressive nature.

Romans 11:1-5
Paul, a Benjamite, speaks of God's faithfulness to Israel, highlighting themes of redemption and restoration.