Book of Judges - Chapter 21 - Verse 12

The verse "And they found among the inhabitants of Jabeshgilead four hundred young virgins, that had known no man by lying with any male: and they brought them unto the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan" refers to a specific event in the Bible where the tribe of Benjamin faced near extinction due to a war with other tribes of Israel. In order to ensure the survival of the tribe, the Israelites sought to provide wives for the remaining men of Benjamin. They found four hundred young virgins from Jabeshgilead who had not been defiled by any man, and brought them to Shiloh as potential wives for the men of Benjamin. This act demonstrates the importance of preserving the lineage and heritage of the tribes of Israel, even in times of great turmoil and conflict. It also highlights the cultural value placed on purity and virginal status in ancient Israelite society. The Bible provides these historical accounts to shed light on the traditions and practices of the ancient Israelites, and how they navigated difficult situations in order to preserve their way of life.

According to theological interpretation, this verse from the book of Judges highlights the cultural practices and societal norms present during the time period. The emphasis on the young virgins who had not known any man reflects the value placed on purity and virginity in ancient Israelite society. The mention of bringing the young virgins to the camp at Shiloh underscores the importance of maintaining religious rituals and traditions, as Shiloh was a central religious site in ancient Israel. Additionally, the reference to the land of Canaan serves as a reminder of the historical and geographical context in which these events took place.