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 Jabeshgilead to the assembly.
9 For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there.
10 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.
11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.
Note: Those from Jabeshgilead did not assist in the war with the Benjamites, so Israel declared that they should be punished. Warfare today doesn't call for the severity that Israel wanted inflicted on Jabeshgilead, especially putting women and children to the sword. However, an enduring principle seen here is the heinousness of refusing to bring evildoers to justice if they are within one's authority to punish; and perhaps as well the heinousness of refusing to assist one's fellow countrymen in their time of need.
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