How does Judges 11:28 connect to Jesus' teachings on resolving disputes? Verse in Focus “But the king of the Ammonites would not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him.” (Judges 11:28) Jephthah’s Peacemaking Attempt • Jephthah sent a carefully argued message (Judges 11:12-27) recounting Israel’s history and God’s rightful gift of the land. • His goal: settle the dispute with truth before resorting to battle. • He appealed to verifiable facts and to the Lord’s justice—an early model of gracious, truth-filled dialogue. The Ammonite King’s Response • “Would not listen.” Silence, contempt, and refusal to engage cut off any chance of peaceful resolution. • The result: unavoidable conflict (Judges 11:29-33). • Scripture underscores that ignoring righteous counsel hardens hearts and invites judgment (Proverbs 29:1). Jesus on Hearing and Reconciling • “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matthew 18:15) • “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) • “Reconcile quickly with your adversary while you are still on the way.” (Matthew 5:25) • Christ’s pattern: – Initiate conversation. – Speak truth in love. – Give the other party space to listen and respond. – Escalate only after private, humble attempts fail (Matthew 18:16-17). Connecting Judges 11:28 to Jesus’ Teaching • Jephthah embodies the first step Jesus later articulates: reach out directly and peaceably. • The Ammonite king illustrates the negative side: refusing to listen breaks the pathway Jesus commands. • Both passages affirm that listening is pivotal; peace hinges on a receptive heart. • Where ears close, righteous confrontation may still be necessary, yet the blame for conflict rests on the one who rejects godly dialogue. Practical Takeaways • Initiate: Approach disagreements with clear truth and gracious tone, just as Jephthah did. • Listen: Give genuine hearing; to ignore is to mirror the Ammonite king. • Reconcile quickly: Delay hardens positions and invites greater fallout. • Trust God’s justice: Like Jephthah, plant your case in God’s hands, knowing He vindicates truth. |
    |