Then the sonsof Israelsaid,"Whois there amongallthe tribesof Israelwhodid not comeup in the assemblyto the LORD?"For they had takena greatoathconcerning him whodid not comeup to the LORDat Mizpah,saying,"He shall surelybe putto death."
"Cursedbe the one who doesthe LORD'Sworknegligently,And cursedbe the one who restrainshis swordfrom blood.
Now the menof Israelhad swornin Mizpah,saying,"Noneof us shall givehis daughterto Benjaminin marriage."
"But we cannotgivethem wivesof our daughters."For the sonsof Israelhad sworn,saying,"Cursedis he who givesa wifeto Benjamin."
And the sonsof Israelwere sorryfor their brotherBenjaminand said,"Onetribeis cutofffrom Israeltoday.
CurseMeroz,'saidthe angelof the LORD,'Utterlycurseits inhabitants;Becausethey did not cometo the helpof the LORD,To the helpof the LORDagainst the warriors.'
He tooka yokeof oxenand cutthem in pieces,and sent[them] throughoutthe territoryof Israelby the handof messengers,saying,"Whoeverdoes not comeout afterSauland afterSamuel,soshall it be doneto his oxen."Then the dreadof the LORDfellon the people,and they cameout as oneman.
Now the menof Israelwere hard-pressedon that day,for Saulhad putthe peopleunderoath,saying,"Cursedbe the manwhoeatsfoodbeforeevening,and untilI have avengedmyself on my enemies."So noneof the peopletastedfood.
