“And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the LORD? And, behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly.”
This verse is found in the book of Judges, which describes the period of Israel’s history after Joshua’s death and before the establishment of kings in Israel.
During this time, the Israelites were governed by a series of judges, who acted as both military leaders and spiritual guides.
In Judges 21:we find the Israelites facing a grave situation.
The tribe of Benjamin had committed a horrendous crime, resulting in a civil war among the Israelites.
The other tribes had vowed not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites as punishment for their wickedness.
However, the Israelites began to realise that they had almost wiped out the entire tribe of Benjamin, and they were concerned about the survival of that tribe.
Judges 21:8:reflects the Israelites’ concern over the absence of one particular tribe, Jabesh-gilead, during an assembly at Mizpeh.
The Israelites had gathered at Mizpeh to discuss the situation with Benjamin and find a solution.
They inquired why no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the assembly.
Jabesh-gilead was a city located on the east side of the Jordan River, in the territory of Gad.
Its absence from the assembly raised questions because it was expected that all the tribes would be present to discuss and resolve the issue at hand.
The absence of Jabesh-gilead may have been seen as a lack of support or unity among the tribes.
This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events in Judges 21:which includes a plan devised by the Israelites to provide wives for the remaining Benjamites.
Ultimately, they come up with a solution that involves the capture of young women from a festival in Shiloh and giving them to the Benjamites as wives.
The story of Judges 21:reflects the complex and morally ambiguous situations that arose during that period in Israel’s history.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking unity, resolving conflicts, and upholding justice within the community of believers.
