5 The Israelites asked, “Who of all the tribes of Israel didn’t come to the Lord with the assembly? ” For a great oath had been taken that anyone who had not come to the Lord at Mizpah would certainly be put to death.
6 But the Israelites had compassion on their brothers, the Benjaminites, and said, “Today a tribe has been cut off from Israel.
7 What should we do about wives for the survivors? We’ve sworn to the Lord not to give them any of our daughters as wives.”
8 They asked, “Which city among the tribes of Israel didn’t come to the Lord at Mizpah? ” It turned out that no one from Jabesh-gilead had come to the camp and the assembly.
9 For when the people were counted, no one was there from the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead.
10 The congregation sent 12,000 brave warriors there and commanded them: “Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword, including women and children.
11 This is what you should do: Completely destroy every male, as well as every female who has slept with a man.”