Old Testament
Judges 21:8
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 21:8, the Israelites are trying to account for all the tribes that gathered at Mizpah to seek the Lord's guidance.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
So they asked, "Did any tribe fail to come before the LORD at Mizpah?" When they checked, they discovered that no one from Jabesh Gilead had come 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 Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 21:8, the Israelites are trying to account for all the tribes that gathered at Mizpah to seek the Lord's guidance. They realize that one tribe, Jabesh Gilead, did not send representatives to the assembly. This absence is significant because it highlights the importance of unity and participation among the tribes of Israel, especially during a time of crisis. The gathering at Mizpah was crucial for making decisions about the future of the nation, and the lack of involvement from Jabesh Gilead raises questions about their commitment to the collective well-being of Israel. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent actions taken by the Israelites to address the situation and ensure that all tribes are included in their communal decisions. It serves as a reminder of the necessity for all members of a community to come together, especially in times of need, to seek guidance and make important decisions collectively.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 21:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to actively participate in our communities and seek collective guidance during challenging times. It reminds us that every voice matters and that we should not isolate ourselves from the group, especially when important decisions are being made.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 21:8 mean?
Judges 21:8 highlights the absence of the tribe of Jabesh Gilead from an important assembly at Mizpah, emphasizing the need for unity and participation among the tribes of Israel during a critical time.
What is the significance of Jabesh Gilead in Judges 21:8?
Jabesh Gilead's absence from the assembly at Mizpah signifies a lack of commitment to the collective decision-making process, which is crucial for the well-being of the Israelite community.
Why is unity important in Judges 21:8?
Unity is important in Judges 21:8 because the assembly at Mizpah was meant to seek divine guidance and make crucial decisions, and the absence of any tribe undermines the strength and effectiveness of their collective efforts.
How can we apply Judges 21:8 today?
Judges 21:8 encourages us to engage actively in our communities and to ensure that we participate in important discussions and decisions, highlighting that every individual's contribution is valuable.
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.
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