What does Judges 11:13 teach about seeking God's guidance in misunderstandings? Setting the Scene Judges 11:13: “The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, ‘When Israel came up from Egypt, they seized my land from the Arnon to the Jabbok and the Jordan. Now restore it peaceably.’ ” A foreign king levels a charge against Israel that history will show is inaccurate (cf. Numbers 21:21-24). The conflict begins with a misunderstanding of past events. Recognizing a Misunderstanding • A claim is made: “Israel took our land.” • The claim clashes with God-recorded history: Israel captured Amorite territory, not Ammonite. • False narratives flourish when people ignore what God has actually said and done. Responding God’s Way 1. Gather the facts God has already revealed. • Jephthah will soon recount Israel’s journey in detail (Judges 11:14-27). • For us, the primary source is always Scripture (Psalm 119:105). 2. Seek the Lord before engaging the other party. • Jephthah “spoke all his words before the LORD in Mizpah” (Judges 11:11). • Turning to God first aligns our hearts with truth and humility (Proverbs 3:5-6). 3. Pursue peace through truthful dialogue. • Jephthah sends messengers twice (Judges 11:12, 14), aiming for resolution before war. • New-covenant believers are called to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and “pursue peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14). 4. Stand firmly on what God has promised. • Israel’s borders were defined by the LORD (Deuteronomy 2:17-19, 31). • Holding to God’s word guards against surrendering to pressure or revisionism (Galatians 1:10). Principles for Today’s Misunderstandings • Verify claims by returning to God’s written record. • Bring every concern to the Lord before you address people. • Use calm, fact-based conversation rather than emotional reaction. • Aim for peace, yet refuse to compromise clear biblical truth. • Trust God to vindicate His people when history is disputed. Scriptures to Remember • Proverbs 18:13 – “He who answers before he hears—this is folly and disgrace to him.” • James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God… and it will be given to him.” • Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” |
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