Old Testament

Judges 21:10

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Judges 21:10, the Israelite assembly took drastic action against the city of Jabesh Gilead.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

So the assembly sent twelve thousand of their bravest warriors with these orders: 'Go and strike down everyone living in Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword—men, women, and children.'

KJVKing James Version

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.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Judges 21:10, the Israelite assembly took drastic action against the city of Jabesh Gilead. They sent a force of twelve thousand of their strongest warriors with a grim command: to kill all the inhabitants of the city, including men, women, and children. This order reflects the severity of the situation in Israel at the time, where the Israelites were dealing with the consequences of their actions and the need to eliminate perceived threats to their community. The decision to destroy an entire city highlights the harsh realities of warfare and the moral dilemmas faced by the Israelites. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience, as the Israelites were trying to rectify a wrong that had occurred within their own ranks. This passage illustrates the lengths to which the Israelites would go to maintain their identity and purity as a nation, even at the cost of innocent lives. Explore related violence.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 21:10 to your life

This passage challenges us to consider the moral implications of our actions and decisions. While we may not face such extreme situations, it reminds us to seek justice and righteousness in our communities, ensuring that our choices reflect our values and beliefs.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 21:10 mean?

Judges 21:10 describes the Israelite assembly sending twelve thousand warriors to destroy the city of Jabesh Gilead, including all its inhabitants. This action reflects the severity of the Israelites' situation and their determination to eliminate perceived threats to their community.

What is the significance of Jabesh Gilead in Judges 21:10?

Jabesh Gilead is significant in Judges 21:10 as it represents a city targeted for destruction due to the Israelites' need to address internal conflicts and perceived disobedience. The command to kill all its inhabitants underscores the harsh realities of their time.

What does the phrase 'valiantest men' mean in Judges 21:10?

The phrase 'valiantest men' in Judges 21:10 refers to the strongest and bravest warriors chosen by the Israelite assembly to carry out their orders. This highlights the seriousness of the mission and the commitment of the Israelites to their cause.

What are the consequences depicted in Judges 21:10?

Judges 21:10 illustrates the consequences of sin and disobedience among the Israelites, leading to extreme measures against Jabesh Gilead. The destruction of the city serves as a reminder of the lengths to which the Israelites would go to maintain their community's integrity.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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