Judges 11:27 Study Bible: I therefore have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong by making war against me. The LORD, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."

◄ Judges 11:27 ►

I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites."

Study Bible

I have not sinned against you
Jephthah, the speaker, asserts his innocence in the conflict with the Ammonites. This reflects the biblical principle of righteousness and justice, where one must be blameless in disputes (Proverbs 17:15). The context involves Jephthah's role as a judge and leader of Israel, emphasizing the importance of integrity in leadership.

but you have done me wrong by waging war against me
The Ammonites' aggression is highlighted here. Historically, the Ammonites claimed land east of the Jordan, which they believed was theirs. This reflects the ongoing territorial disputes in the region, rooted in ancient claims and conflicts (Deuteronomy 2:19). The phrase underscores the theme of unjust aggression, a recurring issue in Israel's history.

May the LORD, the Judge, decide today
Jephthah appeals to God as the ultimate Judge, a common biblical theme where God is seen as the arbiter of justice (Genesis 18:25). This reflects the belief in divine justice and intervention in human affairs. It also foreshadows the final judgment, where God will judge all nations (Revelation 20:12).

between the Israelites and the Ammonites
The conflict is framed as a national issue, not just a personal one. This highlights the collective identity of Israel as God's chosen people, often in conflict with surrounding nations (Exodus 19:5-6). The Ammonites, descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), often opposed Israel, symbolizing the broader spiritual battle between God's people and their adversaries.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel, known for his leadership and vow. He is addressing the king of the Ammonites in this verse.

2. The Israelites
The people of God, whom Jephthah is leading against the Ammonites.

3. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation often in conflict with Israel, claiming land disputes in this context.

4. The LORD
Referred to as the Judge, indicating His role as the ultimate arbiter of justice.

5. Gilead
The region where Jephthah was from and where the conflict is taking place.

Teaching Points

God as the Ultimate Judge
Trust in God's justice when facing conflicts or accusations. He sees beyond human perspectives and judges righteously.

Righteousness in Conflict
Strive to maintain integrity and righteousness in disputes, as Jephthah claims he has not sinned against the Ammonites.

Appealing to God in Disputes
When wronged, seek God's intervention and judgment rather than taking matters solely into your own hands.

Historical Context and Land Disputes
Understand the historical and cultural context of biblical conflicts to gain insight into current issues of justice and reconciliation.

Faith in God's Sovereignty
Have faith that God is sovereign over nations and conflicts, and He will ultimately bring about His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jephthah's appeal to God as the Judge in Judges 11:27 reflect his faith and understanding of God's character?

2. In what ways can we apply Jephthah's approach to conflict resolution in our personal lives today?

3. How does the concept of God as the ultimate Judge provide comfort and assurance in times of injustice or misunderstanding?

4. What are some other biblical examples where individuals appealed to God for justice, and what can we learn from their experiences?

5. How can understanding the historical context of Israel's conflicts with neighboring nations help us address modern-day issues of justice and reconciliation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18:25
This verse highlights God's role as the Judge of all the earth, similar to how Jephthah appeals to God as the Judge in his dispute with the Ammonites.

Deuteronomy 32:36
This passage speaks of the LORD judging His people, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.

1 Samuel 24:12
David, like Jephthah, appeals to the LORD to judge between him and his adversary, Saul, showing a consistent biblical theme of seeking God's judgment in disputes.

Sermons

Different Views Held as to Jephthah's Vow	L. H. Wiseman, M. A.	Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah's Vow	T. Taylor, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
Why are Ye Come unto Me Now When Ye are in Distress?	J. Parker, D. D.	Judges 11:1-33
The Model Diplomatist	A.F. Muir	Judges 11:12-28

People

Abel, Ammonites, Amorites, Balak, Chemosh, Israelites, Jephthah, Manasseh, Sihon, Zippor

Places

Abel-keramim, Ammon, Arnon, Aroer, Edom, Egypt, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Minnith, Mizpah, Moab, Red Sea, Tob

Topics

Ammon, Ammonites, Decide, Dispute, Doest, Evil, Fight, Fighting, Israelites, Judge, Making, Sinned, Sons, To-day, Waging, War, Wherefore, Wrong

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Judges 11:27

     1310   God, as judge
     5358   judges
     6677   justification, necessity

Library

Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow need not be always about a better good. A greater good is one that pertains to supererogation. But vows are not only about matters of supererogation, but also about matters of salvation: thus in Baptism men vow to renounce the devil and his pomps, and to keep the faith, as a gloss observes on Ps. 75:12, "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God"; and Jacob vowed (Gn. 28:21) that the Lord should be his God. Now this above all is necessary for salvation. Therefore …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
1. Some general principles with regard to the nature of vows. Superstitious errors not only of the heathen, but of Christians, in regard to vows. 2. Three points to be considered with regard to vows. First, to whom the vow is made--viz. to God. Nothing to be vowed to him but what he himself requires. 3. Second, Who we are that vow. We must measure our strength, and have regard to our calling. Fearful errors of the Popish clergy by not attending to this. Their vow of celibacy. 4. Third point to be …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
^D John II. 1-11. ^d 1 And the third day [From the calling of Philip (John i. 43). The days enumerated in John's first two chapters constitute a week, and may perhaps be intended as a contrast to the last week of Christ's ministry ( John xii. 1). It took two days to journey from the Jordan to Cana] there was a marriage [In Palestine the marriage ceremony usually began at twilight. The feast after the marriage was at the home of the bridegroom, and was sometimes prolonged for several days (Gen. xxix. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized …
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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