What does Judges 21:8 mean?
"¶ 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." - Judges 21:8
The Bible verse Judges 21:8 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "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."
This verse comes from the book of Judges, which is part of the Old Testament. The book of Judges is centered around the time when Israel was ruled by judges, before the monarchy was established. It details the cycle of apostasy, oppression, repentance, and deliverance that the Israelites went through during this time.
In this specific verse, the Israelites are inquiring about the absence of the tribe of Jabeshgilead at Mizpeh, where they had gathered to seek a resolution to a conflict. This omission is significant as it highlights the unity and solidarity of the tribes of Israel in times of need. The absence of even one tribe is cause for concern and prompts the congregation to take action.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The events leading up to this verse involve a heinous crime committed against a Levite's concubine, resulting in a civil war among the tribes of Israel. In an effort to resolve the conflict and seek justice, the tribes gather at Mizpeh to address the situation. However, they realize that the tribe of Jabeshgilead did not respond to the call for assembly, prompting them to inquire about the absence of this tribe.
The themes present in this verse include unity, accountability, and the importance of communal participation. The unity of the tribes of Israel is crucial for addressing conflicts and seeking resolution. The absence of Jabeshgilead serves as a reminder of the responsibility each tribe has to participate in the collective decisions and actions of the nation. This verse emphasizes the communal nature of the Israelite society and the role each tribe plays in upholding the values and principles of their community.
Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The absence of Jabeshgilead symbolizes a lack of commitment to the well-being of the entire nation. It represents a failure to fulfill their duties and obligations as a part of the greater community of Israel. The significance of this absence lies not only in the physical presence of the tribe, but also in their contribution to the unity and strength of the nation as a whole.
Overall, Judges 21:8 serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, accountability, and communal participation within the community of faith. It highlights the responsibility each member has in upholding the values and principles of their society, and the consequences that may arise when this responsibility is neglected. This verse serves as a call to action for all believers to actively participate in the collective decisions and actions of their community, ensuring the unity and strength of their faith.
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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 Jabesh-gilead to the assembly."
"¶ 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." - Judges 21:8
Judges 8:21 - "Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels' necks."
Judges 9:8-15
John 8:15 - "Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
Judges 21:9 - "For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead there."
Judges 12:8 - "¶ And after him Ibzan of Beth-lehem judged Israel."
Judges 18:21 - "So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage before them."
Judges 21:17 - "And they said, There must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel."
Judges 9:21 - "And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech his brother."
Judges 21:15 - "And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel."
Judges 21:25 - "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."
Judges 21:21 - "And see, and, behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in dances, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin."
Judges 7:21 - "And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled."
Judges 21:4 - "And it came to pass on the morrow, that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings."
Judges 8:17 - "And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city."
Judges 8:29 - "And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house."
Proverbs 8:16 - "By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth."
Judges 13:21 - "But the angel of the LORD did no more appear to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the LORD."
Judges 21:6 - "And the children of Israel repented them for Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day."
Judges 21:2 - "And the people came to the house of God, and abode there till even before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;"
Judges 21:13 - "And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of Benjamin that were in the rock Rimmon, and to call peaceably unto them."
Judges 8:13 - "¶ And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,"
Judges 8:8 - "¶ And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him."
Judges 19:21 - "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
Judges 21:16 - "Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for wives for them that remain, seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?"
Judges 21:3 - "And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be to day one tribe lacking in Israel?"
Judges 1:21 - "And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day."
Judges 20:21 - "And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men."