How the Virgins of Jabesh-Gilead Were Identified

Yalkut Shimoni on Nach 76:3

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead four hundred young virgins who had not known a man by lying with a male" (Judges 21:12). How did they know? They seated them upon the mouth of a barrel of wine: of one no longer a virgin, her scent wafts forth; of a virgin, her scent does not waft forth. But let them pass them before the frontlet [the High Priest's tzitz]? The verse states it is "for acceptance for them" (Exodus 28:38), and not for their punishment. If so, regarding Midian, "and every woman who has known a man by lying with a male, kill" (Numbers 31:17) -- how did they know? They passed them before the frontlet: any whose face turned pale, it was known that her time to be married had come; any whose face did not turn pale, it was known that her time to be married had not yet come.

Themes

WomenPriesthoodTribes

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