Judges 21:10

In Judges 21:10, we read, *“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.’” (v.10)*. This verse describes a drastic measure undertaken by the unified assembly of Israel—often called “the congregation”—who at this point in history were grappling with the fallout of the near-extinction of the tribe of Benjamin. The strong wording, *“Go and strike the inhabitants … with the edge of the sword” (v.10)*, shows the severity of the action they were prepared to take. It indicates that the nation was in a time of deep moral confusion and societal chaos, as the final chapters of Judges often emphasize: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25 NASB-95, supporting verse not italicized). The people’s decision here arises from that same unstable period, demonstrating how far they had strayed from earlier ideals of unity and righteousness under God’s law.

Jabesh-gilead, located east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, was a settlement that likely fell under the broader oversight of the Israelite tribes but had failed to join the rest of Israel in their previous military campaign. Gilead was a hilly area spread along the territory corresponding largely to modern northern Jordan. Its people’s absence during Israel’s crisis led to their being singled out for punishment. By sending *“12,000 of the valiant warriors” (v.10)*, the leaders expressed their conviction that Jabesh-gilead had broken faith with the rest of the tribes. Historically, this event took place sometime before the establishment of Israel’s monarchy (roughly before 1050 BC), fitting into the era marked by tribal rule and repeated cycles of sin, oppression, supplication, and deliverance.

From a broader biblical perspective, the tragic nature of *“strike the inhabitants … with the women and the little ones” (v.10)* underscores how fractured Israel had become, even in matters of justice and mercy. While this passage deals with an Old Testament scenario of civil strife and retributive punishment, the New Testament counters such discord with Christ’s message of grace, reconciliation, and love among believers (John 13:34-35 NASB-95, supporting verse). That contrast highlights that Israel’s downward trajectory in Judges demonstrates humanity’s deep need for a godly king and savior—a foreshadowing of the redemptive work embodied by Jesus centuries later.

Israel’s drastic action against Jabesh-gilead shows the devastating consequences of a nation that has lost its foundational moral compass.