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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/21-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/07_Jdg_21_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 21:10 - Wives for the Benjamites" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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also the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the congregation sent out there twelve thousand of their most valiant men, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the congregation sent twelve thousand of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, along with the women and the children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And the congregation sent 12,000 of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, &#8220Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the congregation sent 12,000 of the valiant warriors there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And the congregation sent 12,000 of the men of valor there and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And the congregation sent twelve thousand of the most courageous men there, and commanded them saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including the women and the children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The congregation sent twelve thousand brave warriors there and commanded them, “Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including women and dependents.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The congregation sent 12,000 brave warriors there and commanded them: &#8220Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including women and children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The congregation sent 12,000 soldiers. They ordered them, "Go and kill the people of Jabesh Gilead, including the women and children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the assembly sent twelve thousand of their bravest men with the orders, "Go and kill everyone in Jabesh, including women and children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So the congregation sent out 12,000 of their valiant soldiers, issuing these orders to them: "Go and attack the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with swords, including the women and little ones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the assembly sent 12,000 capable warriors against Jabesh Gilead. They commanded them, "Go and kill with your swords the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead, including the women and little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The congregation sent there twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, "Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The congregation sent twelve thousand of the most valiant men there, and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the congregation sends twelve thousand men of the sons of valor there, and commands them, saying, “Go—and you have struck the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead by the mouth of the sword, even the women and the infants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the company send there twelve thousand men of the sons of valour, and command them, saying, 'Go -- and ye have smitten the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead by the mouth of the sword, even the women and the infants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will send there twelve thousand men from the sons of power, and they will command them, saying, Go and smite them, the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, with the mouth of the sword, and the women and the little ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So they sent ten thousand of the most valiant men, and commanded them, saying: Go and put the inhabitants of Jabes Galaad to the sword, with their wives and their children. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so they sent ten thousand very robust men, and they instructed them, saying, “Go and strike down the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead with the edge of the sword, including their wives and little ones.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the assembly sent twelve thousand warriors there with orders, “Go put the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead to the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the congregation sent twelve thousand soldiers there and commanded them, “Go, put the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead to the sword, including the women and the little ones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the people sent thither twelve thousand of the bravest men, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and the children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the people sent there twelve thousand men from the sons of power, and they commanded them and they said to them: “Go, destroy those inhabiting Yabish of Gelad with the mouth of the sword and the women and the children<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded them, saying: 'Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the little ones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the strongest, and they charged them, saying, Go ye and smite the inhabitants of Jabis Galaad with the edge of the sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/21-10.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=6494" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/21.htm">Wives for the Benjamites</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>For when the people were counted, none of the residents of Jabesh-gilead were there. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5712.htm" title="5712: hā·‘ê·ḏāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Congregation. Feminine of ed in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage.">So the congregation</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·lə·ḥū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·nêm- (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">12,000</a> <a href="/hebrew/6240.htm" title="6240: ‘ā·śār (Number-ms) -- Ten. For eser; ten, i.e. -teen; also -teenth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’e·lep̄ (Number-ms) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: mib·bə·nê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: he·ḥā·yil (Art:: N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">their most valiant</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">men</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6680.htm" title="6680: way·ṣaw·wū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order. A primitive root; to constitute, enjoin.">and commanded them:</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: wə·hik·kî·ṯem (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">and put</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: lə·p̄î- (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥe·reḇ (N-fs) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">to the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·wō·šə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">those living</a> <a href="/hebrew/3003.htm" title="3003: yā·ḇêš (N-proper-fs) -- A place in Gilead, also an Isr. The same as yabesh; Jobesh, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine.">in Jabesh-gilead,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: gil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites."></a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·han·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">including women</a> <a href="/hebrew/2945.htm" title="2945: wə·haṭ·ṭāp̄ (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Children. From taphaph; a family.">and children.</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>This is what you are to do: Devote to destruction every male, as well as every female who has had relations with a man.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Deuteronomy 13:15</a></span><br />you must surely put the inhabitants of that city to the sword. Devote to destruction all its people and livestock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a></span><br />Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/31-7.htm">Numbers 31:7</a></span><br />Then they waged war against Midian, as the LORD had commanded Moses, and they killed every male.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/6-21.htm">Joshua 6:21</a></span><br />With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-7.htm">1 Samuel 11:7</a></span><br />He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/30-1.htm">1 Samuel 30:1-2</a></span><br />On the third day David and his men arrived in Ziklag, and the Amalekites had raided the Negev, attacked Ziklag, and burned it down. / They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/8-2.htm">2 Samuel 8:2</a></span><br />David also defeated the Moabites, made them lie down on the ground, and measured them off with a cord. He measured off with two lengths those to be put to death, and with one length those to be spared. So the Moabites became subject to David and brought him tribute.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-19.htm">2 Kings 3:19</a></span><br />And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/10-25.htm">2 Kings 10:25</a></span><br />When he had finished making the burnt offering, Jehu said to the guards and officers, “Go in and kill them. Do not let anyone out.” So the guards and officers put them to the sword, threw the bodies out, and went into the inner room of the temple of Baal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/25-12.htm">2 Chronicles 25:12</a></span><br />and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/13-15.htm">Isaiah 13:15-16</a></span><br />Whoever is caught will be stabbed, and whoever is captured will die by the sword. / Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes, their houses will be looted, and their wives will be ravished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/48-10.htm">Jeremiah 48:10</a></span><br />Cursed is the one who is remiss in doing the work of the LORD, and cursed is he who withholds his sword from bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/9-5.htm">Ezekiel 9:5-6</a></span><br />And as I listened, He said to the others, “Follow him through the city and start killing; do not show pity or spare anyone! / Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-14.htm">Matthew 10:14-15</a></span><br />And if anyone will not welcome you or heed your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. / Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-20.htm">Matthew 11:20-24</a></span><br />Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. / “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. / But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the congregation sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Judges 21:5</a></b></br> And the children of Israel said, Who <i>is there</i> among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Judges 21:5</a></b></br> And the children of Israel said, Who <i>is there</i> among all the tribes of Israel that came not up with the congregation unto the LORD? For they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the LORD to Mizpeh, saying, He shall surely be put to death.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/5-23.htm">Judges 5:23</a></b></br> Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/13-15.htm">Deuteronomy 13:15</a></b></br> Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that <i>is</i> therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/judges/20-15.htm">Best</a> <a href="/amos/2-16.htm">Bravest</a> <a href="/judges/21-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/13-14.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/judges/21-5.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/judges/20-1.htm">Including</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-11.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Jabeshgilead</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Jabesh-Gilead</a> <a href="/judges/21-9.htm">Ja'besh-Gil'ead</a> <a href="/judges/18-21.htm">Little</a> <a href="/judges/21-8.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/judges/18-27.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/judges/18-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/judges/19-30.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/judges/20-39.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/judges/20-48.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/judges/19-15.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/judges/19-29.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/judges/20-46.htm">Warriors</a> <a href="/judges/16-27.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Assembly</a> <a href="/ruth/3-3.htm">Best</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">Bravest</a> <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/21-20.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Congregation</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-27.htm">Edge</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">Including</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-13.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Jabesh</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Jabeshgilead</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Jabesh-Gilead</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Ja'besh-Gil'ead</a> <a href="/ruth/2-7.htm">Little</a> <a href="/judges/21-13.htm">Meeting</a> <a href="/ruth/1-6.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-9.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/ruth/2-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-33.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-14.htm">Thither</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-2.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-15.htm">Twelve</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">Valiant</a> <a href="/1_samuel/2-4.htm">Warriors</a> <a href="/judges/21-12.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-1.htm">The people bewail the desolation of Benjamin</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-8.htm">By the destruction of Jabesh Gilead they provide them four hundred wives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/21-16.htm">They advise the remainder to surprise the virgins that danced at Shiloh</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So the congregation sent 12,000 of their most valiant men</b><br>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).<p><b>and commanded them:</b><br>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.<p><b>“Go and put to the sword those living in Jabesh-gilead,</b><br>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 (<a href="/1_samuel/31-11.htm">1 Samuel 31:11-13</a>). The command to "put to the sword" indicates a complete destruction, a practice seen in other biblical accounts such as the conquest of Canaan (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a>). 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.<p><b>including women and children.</b><br>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 (<a href="/1_samuel/15-3.htm">1 Samuel 15:3</a>). This phrase challenges modern readers to grapple with the complexities of divine justice and mercy as understood in the ancient context.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The collective tribes of Israel who are dealing with the aftermath of a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/tribe_of_benjamin.htm">Tribe of Benjamin</a></b><br>One of the twelve tribes of Israel, nearly annihilated due to their involvement in a grievous sin and subsequent war with the other tribes.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jabesh-gilead.htm">Jabesh-gilead</a></b><br>A city in Gilead whose inhabitants did not join the assembly at Mizpah, leading to their punishment by the Israelites.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/mizpah.htm">Mizpah</a></b><br>The gathering place where the Israelites assembled to decide the fate of the tribe of Benjamin.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_assembly.htm">The Assembly</a></b><br>The collective decision-making body of the Israelites, representing the tribes in their deliberations and actions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a></b><br>The Israelites' decision to punish Jabesh-gilead highlights the serious consequences of failing to align with God's people and purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_complexity_of_justice.htm">The Complexity of Justice</a></b><br>The actions taken against Jabesh-gilead and Benjamin illustrate the challenges in administering justice, especially when it involves fellow believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_unity.htm">The Importance of Unity</a></b><br>The absence of Jabesh-gilead at Mizpah underscores the need for unity among God's people, particularly in times of crisis.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/redemption_and_restoration.htm">Redemption and Restoration</a></b><br>Despite the harsh judgment, the later involvement of Jabesh-gilead in Israel's history points to God's ability to redeem and restore.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_collective_responsibility.htm">Reflecting on Collective Responsibility</a></b><br>The passage encourages believers to consider their role within the community of faith and the impact of collective decisions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/jacob's_blessings_for_his_sons.htm">What are Jacob's prophetic blessings for his sons?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_allow_violent_vows.htm">How could an all-knowing God condone vows leading to violence against families and communities (Judges 21:1–11)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_for_jabesh-gilead's_slaughter.htm">What archaeological evidence, if any, supports the slaughter of Jabesh-gilead described in this chapter (Judges 21:8-12)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_accept_sacrifices.htm">If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10) <span class= "bld">Twelve thousand men.</span>--The Vulgate has 10,000, but it is doubtless meant to imply that each tribe sent a thousand "valiant men" (<a href="/genesis/47-6.htm" title="The land of Egypt is before you; in the best of the land make your father and brothers to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if you know any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.">Genesis 47:6</a>, &c.), as in the war against the Midianites, in which Balaam was slain and at which Phinehas had been present (<a href="/numbers/31-6.htm" title="And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.">Numbers 31:6</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 10, 11.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye shall utterly destroy</span>, etc. Devote to destruction, as a '<span class="accented">herem</span>, an accursed thing. They followed in the severity of the punishment the precedent of the destruction of the Midianites (see <a href="/numbers/31-17.htm">Numbers 31:17</a>), and even in the numbers sent to destroy them - a thousand from every tribe (<a href="/numbers/31-5.htm">Numbers 31:5</a>). Revolting to our feelings as such wholesale massacres are, including women and children, it must be remembered in mitigation that the '<span class="accented">hereto</span> was the solemn devotion of a thing or person to destruction under the sanction of an oath. <span class="cmt_word">Of the valiantest</span>. <span class="accented">The sons of valour</span> simply means <span class="accented">valiant men</span> (<a href="/2_samuel/13-28.htm">2 Samuel 13:28</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/17-10.htm">2 Samuel 17:10</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/21-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So the congregation</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעֵדָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ê·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5712.htm">Strong's 5712: </a> </span><span class="str2">A stated assemblage</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·lə·ḥū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">12,000</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנֵים־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·nêm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - md<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְּנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">their most valiant</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶחָ֑יִל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḥā·yil)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and commanded them:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְצַוּ֨וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·ṣaw·wū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6680.htm">Strong's 6680: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Go</span><br /><span class="heb">לְ֠כוּ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and put</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהִכִּיתֶ֞ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hik·kî·ṯem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the sword</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶ֔רֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ḥe·reḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those living</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹשְׁבֵ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wō·šə·ḇê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in Jabesh-gilead,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבֵ֤שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3003.htm">Strong's 3003: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jabesh -- a place in Gilead, also an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">including women</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַנָּשִׁ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·han·nā·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> </span><span class="str2">Woman, wife, female</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and children.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַטָּֽף׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·haṭ·ṭāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2945.htm">Strong's 2945: </a> </span><span class="str2">A family</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/21-10.htm">Judges 21:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/21-10.htm">OT History: Judges 21:10 The congregation sent there twelve thousand men (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/21-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 21:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 21:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/21-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 21:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 21:11" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>