Judges 21:8

And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel, that came not vp to Mizpeh to the Lord ? And beholde, there came none to the campe from Iabesh Gilead to the assembly. Judges 21:8 (KJV)

The book of Judges records Israel’s history after Joshua’s death and before the nation had kings. During this period the people were led by a succession of judges who served as both military commanders and spiritual guides. In chapter 21 the nation faces a grave crisis. The tribe of Benjamin had committed a horrific crime that provoked a civil war among the other tribes. In retaliation the Israelites swore not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites as punishment for their wickedness. As the war continued the Israelites realized that their oath was driving the tribe of Benjamin toward extinction, and they became concerned for the survival of the whole tribe.

Judges 21:8 records the Israelites’ inquiry at the assembly held at Mizpeh. They ask, “What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD?” and note that no one from Jabesh‑gilead had come to the camp. Jabesh‑gilead was a city on the east side of the Jordan River, a place that was expected to be represented among the gathered tribes. Its absence raised questions of unity and support, suggesting that the tribe might be disengaged from the communal deliberations.

The verse therefore sets the stage for the difficult solution that follows. The Israelites devise a plan to provide wives for the remaining Benjamites by taking young women from a festival at Shiloh and giving them to the Benjamite survivors. This episode illustrates the complex and morally ambiguous situations that arose in Israel’s early history. It reminds believers of the importance of seeking unity, addressing conflict with compassion, and upholding justice within the community of faith.