Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jephthah and the Ephraimites is a significant episode in the Book of Judges, illustrating the destructive nature of internal strife among the tribes of Israel. This narrative is found in Judges 12:1-7 and highlights the consequences of pride, miscommunication, and tribal discord.Background Jephthah, a Gileadite, was a mighty warrior and the son of a prostitute. Despite his humble beginnings and initial rejection by his half-brothers, Jephthah rose to prominence as a leader. When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turned to Jephthah for help, promising him leadership over Gilead if he would lead them to victory (Judges 11:1-11). The Conflict with the Ephraimites After Jephthah's successful campaign against the Ammonites, the men of Ephraim confronted him. The Ephraimites were incensed that they had not been called to join the battle, feeling slighted and dishonored. They threatened to burn Jephthah's house down with him inside (Judges 12:1). Jephthah responded by explaining that he had indeed called for their help, but they did not come to his aid. He emphasized that he risked his life and, with the LORD's help, achieved victory over the Ammonites without them (Judges 12:2-3). This response, however, did not appease the Ephraimites, and tensions escalated. The Battle and Its Aftermath The conflict quickly turned violent. Jephthah gathered the men of Gilead and fought against the Ephraimites. The Gileadites defeated the Ephraimites, and the battle resulted in a significant loss of life. The Gileadites seized the fords of the Jordan River, a strategic location, to prevent the Ephraimites from escaping. They used a linguistic test to identify fleeing Ephraimites, asking them to say the word "Shibboleth." The Ephraimites, unable to pronounce it correctly, said "Sibboleth," revealing their identity and leading to their execution (Judges 12:4-6). The conflict resulted in the death of 42,000 Ephraimites, a tragic outcome that underscored the severe consequences of internal strife and disunity among the tribes of Israel (Judges 12:6). Jephthah's Leadership Jephthah judged Israel for six years following this conflict. His leadership, marked by both military success and internal strife, reflects the complex nature of the period of the Judges, where leaders were often raised up in times of crisis but struggled with the challenges of maintaining unity and peace among the tribes (Judges 12:7). Theological Implications The account of Jephthah and the Ephraimites serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, jealousy, and disunity within the community of God's people. It highlights the importance of humility, communication, and reconciliation in resolving conflicts. The narrative also underscores the sovereignty of God in delivering His people, even amidst their internal conflicts and failures. Nave's Topical Index Judges 12:1-6And 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 Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | 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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