Judges 21:9

9 for the people were numbered, and behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead there.

Judges 21:9 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 21:9

For the people were numbered
To know who did come up, and who did not, and particularly to know whether the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead did or not, against whom an information was brought:

and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there;
for as yet none that came had returned home; all came to Shiloh first, to pay their devotion to the Lord; and as none were found among the living, it did not appear they were among the slain; and very probably the muster roll was taken before they went to battle, and they were not on that.

Judges 21:9 In-Context

7 What shall we do for wives for them that remain? since we have sworn by Jehovah that we will not give them of our daughters for wives.

8 And they said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpah to Jehovah? And behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh-Gilead, to the congregation;

9 for the people were numbered, and behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead there.

10 And the assembly sent thither twelve thousand men of the most valiant and commanded them, saying, Go and smite the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead with the edge of the sword, and the women and the children.

11 And this is the thing which ye shall do: ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain with man.