How does Judges 11:6 encourage us to seek God's guidance in difficult situations? Setting the scene Judges 11 introduces Jephthah, a man rejected by his family yet called back when Israel faces the threat of the Ammonites. Verse 6 records the elders’ plea: “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so we can fight against the Ammonites.” (Judges 11:6) Key observations from Judges 11:6 • The elders admit they need help beyond themselves. • They reach out in humility after their earlier rejection of Jephthah (see vv. 2–3). • Their crisis pushes them to take decisive action rather than remain paralyzed by fear. How the verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance 1. Recognize our limits • Just as Israel realized it could not defeat Ammon alone, we admit, “I can’t handle this without the Lord” (cf. John 15:5). 2. Humbly turn to the One we once ignored • Jephthah pictures the Lord whom many disregard until trouble comes. Yet He welcomes repentant pleas (Psalm 34:18). 3. Make a clear, verbal request • The elders’ direct words—“Come…be our commander”—mirror the clarity God desires when we ask for wisdom (James 1:5). 4. Submit to divine leadership • Commander means authority. Seeking guidance isn’t gathering options; it’s yielding to God’s decision (Proverbs 3:5-6). 5. Act in faith after asking • Their invitation set events in motion (vv. 11, 29). Guidance is confirmed as we obey the next step God shows (Psalm 32:8). Supporting Scripture snapshots • Psalm 34:4—“I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart…He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given.” Practical take-aways for today • Pause when pressure mounts; confess dependence on God. • Pray specifically: “Lord, lead me; show me what obedience looks like in this situation.” • Search Scripture for principles before making decisions. • Seek counsel from mature believers, as the elders sought help beyond themselves. • Move forward once direction is clear, trusting God to steer mid-course if needed. |
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