Jabesh-Gilead

Jabesh-gilead was a town in the highlands of Gilead east of the Jordan, within the territory of the half-tribe of Manasseh, visible from Beth-shan across the valley. Its first mention involves a grim episode: after the civil war over the outrage at Gibeah, the town's inhabitants were destroyed for failing to join Israel's assembly, with 400 virgin daughters preserved as wives for the surviving Benjaminites (Judg. 21:8–14). Its most honored moment came when Saul gathered his forces to rescue the town from Nahash the Ammonite's threat to gouge out the right eye of every inhabitant (1 Sam. 11:1–11). This event catalyzed Saul's recognition as king. After Saul's death at Gilboa, the men of Jabesh-gilead — remembering Saul's deliverance — traveled all night to retrieve his body from the wall of Beth-shan, gave it honorable burial, and fasted seven days (1 Sam. 31:11–13; 2 Sam. 2:4–6).