9 For the people were numbered, and, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead there.
9 For when they counted the people, they found that none of the people of Jabesh Gilead were there.
9 For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead was there.
9 When they took a roll call of the people, not a single person from Jabesh Gilead was there.
9 For when the people were counted, indeed, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead was there.
9 For after they counted all the people, no one from Jabesh-gilead was present.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 21:9
Chapter Contents
The Israelites lament for the Benjamites.
Israel lamented for the Benjamites, and were perplexed by the oath they had taken, not to give their daughters to them in marriage. Men are more zealous to support their own authority than that of God. They would have acted better if they had repented of their rash oaths, brought sin-offerings, and sought forgiveness in the appointed way, rather than attempt to avoid the guilt of perjury by actions quite as wrong. That men can advise others to acts of treachery or violence, out of a sense of duty, forms a strong proof of the blindness of the human mind when left to itself, and of the fatal effects of a conscience under ignorance and error.