Topical Bible: Jephthah: Made Head of the Land of Gilead

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Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is remembered for his leadership and his tragic vow. He was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and his eventual exile from his father's house. Despite his ignoble beginnings, Jephthah rose to prominence as a mighty warrior and leader of a band of outlaws in the land of Tob.

Background and Rise to Leadership

The narrative of Jephthah is primarily found in Judges 11. The Israelites, having once again turned away from God, found themselves oppressed by the Ammonites. In their distress, the elders of Gilead sought out Jephthah, recognizing his prowess in battle. They approached him with a plea to lead them against the Ammonites. Initially, Jephthah questioned their sincerity, reminding them of how they had previously driven him away. However, the elders assured him that if he led them to victory, he would become the head of all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Jephthah accepted their offer, but not before making them swear an oath before the LORD at Mizpah. Judges 11:9-11 records this pivotal moment: "Jephthah answered, 'If you take me back to fight against the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I really be your head?' The elders of Gilead replied, 'The LORD is our witness; we will certainly do as you say.' So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their head and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his words before the LORD in Mizpah."

Diplomacy and Conflict

Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted a diplomatic resolution with the king of the Ammonites. He sent messengers to inquire about the cause of the conflict, asserting Israel's right to the land based on historical and divine grounds. Jephthah recounted Israel's journey from Egypt and their peaceful passage through territories, emphasizing that the LORD had given them the land. However, the king of the Ammonites dismissed Jephthah's message, leading to inevitable conflict.

The Vow and Its Consequences

As Jephthah prepared for battle, he made a vow to the LORD, recorded in Judges 11:30-31 : "Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: 'If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"

The LORD granted Jephthah victory over the Ammonites, but the fulfillment of his vow brought personal tragedy. Upon returning home, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. The text poignantly describes Jephthah's anguish, as he realized the cost of his vow. Despite the sorrow, Jephthah's daughter accepted her fate, asking only for two months to mourn her virginity in the mountains. The account concludes with Jephthah fulfilling his vow, a account that has sparked much theological debate and reflection.

Legacy

Jephthah's leadership and his tragic vow have left a lasting impact on biblical history. He is listed among the faithful in Hebrews 11:32, recognized for his role in delivering Israel. His account serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash vows.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 11:7-11
And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The First Kings.
... of Elkanah and Hannah, given to them, like Jephthah and Samson ... was dead, he sent
for Bathsheba, and made her his ... David bowed his head and wept under the pointed ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/the first kings.htm

The Historical Books.
... times of peace they stood at the head of public ... Ammonites and the period during which
Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon ... The division was made by the Greek translators as a ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... views as to the nature of the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter. ... and took their places
each at the head of his own contingent.* Their armies were made up of ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
... out at so loose a distance from the head towards the ... v.7, "Jephthah was buried in
the cities of Gilead ... Byzantium, ordered the largest cannon to be made, of a ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the three woe trumpets.htm

That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ...
... they have already so lifted up their head, that no ... defence, there should be no
exceptions made at all of ... Barak's business, as that of Jephthah and Gideon, was ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section iii that the employing.htm