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.

JUDGES 21:10KJV
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Judges 21:10 (KJV)

What does Judges 21:10 mean?

Judges 21:10 describes how the Israelite assembly sent twelve thousand of their bravest men to attack the people living in Jabesh-gilead, commanding them to kill everyone there, including women and children, using the sword. This verse records a severe military order given during a time of internal conflict among the tribes of Israel.

The setting is after a civil war between the Israelite tribes and the tribe of Benjamin. The leaders of Israel are speaking to their own fighting men, sending them to Jabesh-gilead because that town did not join the earlier assembly against Benjamin. The verse shows the seriousness of the Israelites’ response and the tragic consequences of their decisions during this chaotic period.

The Hebrew behind Judges 21:10

  • "congregation" (עֵדָה, edah): This word means the assembled group of Israelites, emphasizing that this was a collective decision, not just a few leaders acting alone.
  • "valiantest" (בְּנֵי־חַיִל, bnei-chayil): This phrase means "sons of valor" or "brave men," highlighting that the men chosen for this mission were considered the most capable and courageous warriors.
  • "edge" (פֶּה, peh): Literally "mouth," this word is often used in Hebrew to mean the "edge" of the sword, painting a vivid image of the weapon as if it were devouring.
  • "smite" (נָכָה, nakah): This verb means to strike down or kill, making clear that the command was for a complete and violent attack.

Why Judges 21:10 matters

  • This verse clarifies the extreme measures the Israelites took to enforce unity and punish those who did not participate in their earlier actions, showing the depth of division and desperation at that time.
  • The command to kill even women and children reveals the harsh realities of ancient warfare and the seriousness with which the Israelites viewed their collective responsibilities.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the later actions in the chapter, where the Israelites seek wives for the surviving Benjaminites, connecting the violence in Jabesh-gilead to the larger story of restoring the tribe of Benjamin.

Where else these words appear

“Jabeshgilead” Hebrew H3003 · used in 21 verses

  • Judges 21:8 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 Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
  • 1 Samuel 11:5 And, behold, Saul came after the herd out of the field; and Saul said, What aileth the people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh.
  • 2 Samuel 2:5 And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabeshgilead, and said unto them, Blessed be ye of the LORD, that ye have shewed this kindness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have buried him.

“children” Hebrew H2945 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 34:29 And all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house.
  • Numbers 16:27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood in the door of their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and their little children.
  • Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:

“Jabeshgilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.

“congregation” Hebrew H5712 · used in 140 verses

  • Exodus 12:3 Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
  • Numbers 15:24 Then it shall be, if ought be committed by ignorance without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering.
  • Numbers 31:13 And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and all the princes of the congregation, went forth to meet them without the camp.