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 21:10KJVWhat 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.