Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is found primarily in the Book of Judges, chapters 11 and 12. Jephthah, the son of Gilead and a prostitute, was initially rejected by his half-brothers and driven away from his home. Despite his ignoble beginnings, Jephthah rose to prominence as a mighty warrior and leader.Background and Rise to Leadership Jephthah's account begins with his expulsion from his father's house due to his illegitimate birth. "Gilead’s wife bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away, saying, 'You shall have no inheritance in our father’s house, because you are the son of another woman'" (Judges 11:2). Jephthah fled to the land of Tob, where he gathered a band of adventurers and became their leader. When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead sought Jephthah's help due to his reputation as a valiant warrior. They offered him leadership over Gilead if he would lead them in battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah accepted their offer, but not without securing a promise that he would remain their leader after the victory (Judges 11:9-11). Conflict with the Ephraimites After Jephthah's successful campaign against the Ammonites, a new conflict arose, this time with the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraimites expressed jealousy and anger because they were not called to join the battle against the Ammonites. They confronted Jephthah, saying, "Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!" (Judges 12:1). Jephthah responded by explaining that he had called for their help, but they did not deliver him from the Ammonites. He emphasized that he took matters into his own hands when he saw no help was forthcoming. "When I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave me the victory" (Judges 12:3). The Battle and Aftermath The confrontation escalated into a civil war between Jephthah's forces and the Ephraimites. Jephthah's men defeated the Ephraimites, and the conflict resulted in the death of 42,000 Ephraimites (Judges 12:4-6). This tragic outcome highlights the destructive nature of jealousy and internal strife among the tribes of Israel. Theological Implications The jealousy of the Ephraimites towards Jephthah underscores the recurring theme of tribal rivalry and disunity in the Book of Judges. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of envy and pride, which can lead to unnecessary conflict and division among God's people. Jephthah's account also illustrates how God can use unlikely individuals to achieve His purposes, despite human rejection and prejudice. Jephthah's leadership, though marked by personal and communal challenges, demonstrates the sovereignty of God in raising leaders according to His will. His narrative invites reflection on the importance of humility, unity, and reliance on God's guidance in overcoming internal and external threats. Nave's Topical Index Judges 12:1And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and went northward, and said to Jephthah, Why passed you over to fight against the children of Ammon, and did not call us to go with you? we will burn your house on you with fire. Nave's Topical Index Library The Second Commandment The Children's Bible The Historical Books. The First Kings. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Is Numbers 5:11-31 referring to God causing an abortion? What was the jealousy offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is God a jealous God? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about envy? | GotQuestions.org Jealousy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jealousy: Ephraimites, of Gideon Jealousy: General Scriptures Concerning Jealousy: Joseph's Brothers, of Joseph Jealousy: Law Concerning, when Husband is Jealous for his Wife Jealousy: Sectional, Between Israel and the Tribe of Judah Jealousy: The Brother of the Prodigal Son Related Terms Jealousy-offering (2 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) |
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