“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 children.”
Context:The book of Judges records a period in Israel’s history when they were ruled by various judges whom God raised up to deliver them from their enemies. This particular verse comes at the end of the book of Judges and describes a tragic event that took place after the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other tribes of Israel.
The civil war:The book of Judges, particularly chapters 19-21, highlights a civil war that erupted due to a horrific incident involving a Levite’s concubine. The tribe of Benjamin defended the perpetrators, resulting in a conflict between them and the other tribes. This verse follows the tribes’ unsuccessful attempts to bring justice to the guilty tribe.
Seeking justice:The congregation of Israel, representing the remaining tribes, sent twelve thousand valiant men to deal with the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead. Jabesh-gilead was not directly involved in the civil war, but it failed to respond to the call for justice against the tribe of Benjamin. Consequently, the Israelites sought to punish the people of Jabesh-gilead for their lack of support.
Extreme measures:The command given to the twelve thousand men was to smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, including the women and children. This action was a severe and ruthless response, which can be difficult to reconcile with the biblical teachings on love, mercy, and compassion.
Lessons:
The consequences of sin:The events leading up to this verse highlight the tragic consequences of sin and the deterioration of society when people abandon God’s ways. The civil war and the subsequent punishment of Jabesh-gilead serve as reminders of the destructive power of sin and its impact on communities.
The need for justice:The desire for justice is evident in this verse. However, the approach taken by the Israelites was extreme and may be viewed as an overreaction. It is essential for believers to seek justice and righteousness, but it should be pursued with wisdom, discernment, and fairness.
God’s sovereignty and mercy:While this verse reflects the actions of the people of Israel, it is crucial to note that it does not necessarily represent God’s will or approval. Throughout the book of Judges, God’s faithfulness, mercy, and patience are demonstrated despite the people’s unfaithfulness. God’s ultimate desire is to bring restoration and reconciliation rather than destruction.
The need for redemption:The book of Judges emphasizes the need for a righteous king to lead God’s people and provide true justice. This need points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Judge who would come to bring redemption and establish His kingdom based on righteousness, mercy, and love.
Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking justice while also recognizing the need for God’s grace and redemption in our broken world.
