◄ Ja'besh-gil'ead ►
Jump to: Concordance • Thesaurus • Subtopics • Terms
Topical Encyclopedia
Geographical and Historical Context:
Jabesh-gilead was a city located east of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead, which is part of modern-day Jordan. The city is mentioned several times in the Old Testament and played a significant role in the history of Israel, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.

Biblical References and Events:

1. Judges 21:8-14:
Jabesh-gilead is first mentioned in the context of the aftermath of the civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the other Israelite tribes. The Israelites had sworn not to give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. To provide wives for the surviving Benjamites, they attacked Jabesh-gilead because its inhabitants did not join the assembly at Mizpah. The Israelites spared 400 young virgins from Jabesh-gilead and gave them to the Benjamites.

"So they asked, 'Which one of the tribes of Israel failed to come up to the LORD at Mizpah?' And behold, no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp for the assembly." (Judges 21:8)

2. 1 Samuel 11:1-11:
Jabesh-gilead is prominently featured in the narrative of King Saul's early reign. Nahash the Ammonite besieged the city, and the inhabitants sought help from Israel. Saul, upon hearing of their plight, mustered an army and delivered Jabesh-gilead from the Ammonites, solidifying his position as king.

"Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to him, 'Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.'" (1 Samuel 11:1)

3. 1 Samuel 31:11-13; 2 Samuel 2:4-5:
The men of Jabesh-gilead demonstrated loyalty and bravery following the death of Saul. After the Philistines killed Saul and his sons on Mount Gilboa, they fastened their bodies to the wall of Beth-shan. The valiant men of Jabesh-gilead retrieved the bodies and gave them a proper burial. David later commended them for their loyalty to Saul.

"When the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all their valiant men set out, journeyed all night, and retrieved the bodies of Saul and his sons from the wall of Beth-shan. They went to Jabesh and burned them there." (1 Samuel 31:11-12)

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Jabesh-gilead's actions reflect themes of loyalty, kinship, and the complexities of tribal relationships in ancient Israel. The city's initial failure to join the assembly at Mizpah and subsequent punishment highlight the importance of unity among the tribes. Conversely, their later actions in retrieving Saul's body demonstrate a deep respect for the anointed king and a commitment to honor, even in death.

The deliverance of Jabesh-gilead by Saul marks a pivotal moment in his kingship, showcasing the divine empowerment and leadership qualities that initially characterized his reign. This event also underscores the role of divine intervention and the importance of righteous leadership in the protection and preservation of God's people.

Jabesh-gilead's narrative threads through the fabric of Israel's history, illustrating the interplay between divine providence, human agency, and the enduring values of loyalty and honor within the covenant community.
Concordance
Ja'besh-gil'ead (12 Occurrences)

Judges 21:8
And they said, "What one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to the LORD to Mizpah?" And behold, no one had come to the camp from Ja'besh-gil'ead, to the assembly.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 21:9
For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Ja'besh-gil'ead was there.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 21:10
So the congregation sent thither twelve thousand of their bravest men, and commanded them, "Go and smite the inhabitants of Ja'besh-gil'ead with the edge of the sword; also the women and the little ones.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 21:12
And they found among the inhabitants of Ja'besh-gil'ead four hundred young virgins who had not known man by lying with him; and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.
(DBY RSV)

Judges 21:14
And Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Ja'besh-gil'ead; but they did not suffice for them.
(DBY RSV)

1 Samuel 11:1
Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh Gilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, "Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you."
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 11:9
They said to the messengers who came, "Thus you shall tell the men of Jabesh Gilead,'Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have deliverance.'" The messengers came and told the men of Jabesh; and they were glad.
(See RSV)

1 Samuel 31:11
When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard concerning him that which the Philistines had done to Saul,
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 2:4
The men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. They told David, saying, "The men of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saul."
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 2:5
David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, "Blessed are you by Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him.
(See RSV)

2 Samuel 21:12
David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the men of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines killed Saul in Gilboa;
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 10:11
When all Jabesh Gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul,
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ja'besh-gil'ead (12 Occurrences)
Ja'besh-gil'ead. Jabesh-gilead, Ja'besh-gil'ead. Jabez . Multi-Version
Concordance Ja'besh-gil'ead (12 Occurrences). Judges 21:8 ...
/j/ja'besh-gil'ead.htm - 10k

Jabesh-gilead (12 Occurrences)
Jabesh-gilead. Jabeshgilead, Jabesh-gilead. Ja'besh-gil'ead . Easton's
Bible Dictionary A town on the east of Jordan, on the top ...
/j/jabesh-gilead.htm - 13k

Jabez (3 Occurrences)

/j/jabez.htm - 8k

Mustered (28 Occurrences)
... (DBY RSV NIV). Judges 21:9 For when the people were mustered, behold, not one
of the inhabitants of Ja'besh-gil'ead was there. (DBY RSV). ...
/m/mustered.htm - 15k

Bravest (2 Occurrences)
... 21:10 So the congregation sent thither twelve thousand of their bravest men, and
commanded them, "Go and smite the inhabitants of Ja'besh-gil'ead with the edge ...
/b/bravest.htm - 6k

Resources
Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus
Jabesh-Gilead
Top of Page
Top of Page