Topical Encyclopedia Background and ContextJephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is known for his role as a judge and deliverer of Israel. His account is primarily found in Judges 11-12. Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to familial strife and rejection by his half-brothers. This narrative highlights themes of rejection, leadership, and divine intervention. Family Rejection and Strife Jephthah's early life was marked by conflict and rejection. Judges 11:1-2 states, "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And 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.'" This rejection by his brothers was rooted in the cultural and familial norms of inheritance and legitimacy, which often led to strife and division within families. Jephthah's Leadership and Return Despite being cast out, Jephthah's reputation as a "mighty warrior" grew. He settled in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers around him. The Ammonites' oppression of Israel prompted the elders of Gilead to seek Jephthah's leadership. Judges 11:6 records their plea: "Come, be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites." This request highlights a turning point where the very people who rejected him now sought his help, demonstrating a shift from strife to reluctant acceptance. Negotiation and Vow Jephthah's leadership was marked by both diplomacy and rashness. He attempted to negotiate with the Ammonites, as seen in Judges 11:12-28, where he recounted Israel's history and right to the land. However, his vow to the Lord, as recorded in Judges 11:30-31 , "If You give the Ammonites into my hands, 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," led to personal tragedy. This vow, made in the heat of strife, resulted in the sacrifice of his daughter, illustrating the potential consequences of hasty promises. Conflict with Ephraim Jephthah's account of strife extends beyond his family to inter-tribal conflict. After defeating the Ammonites, the Ephraimites confronted Jephthah, accusing him of not including them in the battle. Judges 12:1 states, "The men of Ephraim were called to arms, crossed over to Zaphon, and said to Jephthah, 'Why did you go to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!'" This conflict resulted in a battle between Gilead and Ephraim, further illustrating the pervasive nature of strife within Israel. Legacy and Reflection Jephthah's life and leadership were marked by strife, both familial and tribal. His account serves as a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of rash decisions, and the potential for redemption and leadership despite rejection. Jephthah's narrative is a testament to God's ability to use flawed individuals to achieve His purposes, even amidst strife and conflict. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:2And Gilead's wife bore him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said to him, You shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of a strange woman. Nave's Topical Index Library The First Kings. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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