Judges 11:29

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites.

Study Bible

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah
This phrase indicates divine empowerment for leadership and battle, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. The Spirit of the LORD coming upon individuals is seen with other judges like Othniel (Judges 3:10) and Gideon (Judges 6:34). This empowerment signifies God's approval and presence, enabling Jephthah to fulfill his role as a deliverer of Israel. It highlights the necessity of divine intervention for success in Israel's battles.

and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh
Gilead and Manasseh were regions east of the Jordan River. Gilead was known for its balm, a healing ointment, and was a significant area for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. This movement through Gilead and Manasseh suggests Jephthah's rallying of support and troops from these territories, emphasizing the unity and cooperation needed among the tribes of Israel to face external threats.

then through Mizpah of Gilead
Mizpah of Gilead was a significant gathering place for the Israelites, often associated with covenant-making and military assembly (Judges 10:17). The name Mizpah means "watchtower," indicating a place of strategic importance. This location served as a rallying point for Jephthah's forces, underscoring the communal aspect of Israel's defense efforts.

And from there he advanced against the Ammonites
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and frequent adversaries of Israel. Their conflict with Israel often revolved around territorial disputes and historical grievances. Jephthah's advance against the Ammonites marks the beginning of a divinely sanctioned military campaign. This action reflects the cyclical pattern in Judges of Israel's apostasy, oppression by enemies, crying out to God, and deliverance through a judge. Jephthah's leadership and the Spirit's empowerment are crucial for Israel's deliverance from Ammonite oppression.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel, known for his leadership and vow. He was the son of Gilead and a harlot, initially rejected by his family but later called to lead Israel against the Ammonites.

2. Spirit of the LORD
Refers to the divine empowerment given to individuals in the Old Testament for specific tasks. In this context, it signifies God's presence and empowerment of Jephthah for battle.

3. Gilead
A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was Jephthah's homeland and a significant area in Israel's history.

4. Manasseh
One of the tribes of Israel, located partly in the region of Gilead. Jephthah's journey through Manasseh indicates the gathering of support and preparation for battle.

5. Mizpah of Gilead
A city in Gilead where Jephthah likely gathered his forces. Mizpah often served as a place of assembly and decision-making in Israel's history.

6. Ammonites
A neighboring nation and frequent adversary of Israel. The conflict with the Ammonites was a significant event during Jephthah's judgeship.

Teaching Points

Divine Empowerment
Just as the Spirit of the LORD empowered Jephthah, believers today are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes in their lives.

God's Sovereignty
Despite Jephthah's background and initial rejection, God chose him for a significant task, demonstrating that God can use anyone for His glory.

Preparation and Obedience
Jephthah's journey through Gilead and Manasseh signifies preparation and obedience. Believers are called to prepare and be obedient to God's leading in their lives.

Faith in Action
Jephthah's advance against the Ammonites shows faith in action. Believers are encouraged to step out in faith, trusting in God's empowerment and guidance.

Community and Support
Jephthah's gathering of support from Gilead and Manasseh highlights the importance of community and support in fulfilling God's mission.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the empowerment of the Spirit of the LORD in the Old Testament compare to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty in choosing and using individuals for His purposes, despite their backgrounds or past rejections?

3. What steps can we take to ensure we are prepared and obedient to God's calling in our lives, as Jephthah was?

4. How can we actively demonstrate faith in action in our daily lives, following Jephthah's example of advancing against the Ammonites?

5. Why is community and support important in fulfilling God's mission, and how can we cultivate this in our own church or fellowship groups?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The empowerment by the Spirit of the LORD is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, seen in the lives of other judges like Gideon and Samson. This highlights God's direct intervention in Israel's deliverance.

Jephthah's account connects to the broader account of Israel's cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, as seen throughout the Book of Judges.

The concept of the Spirit of the LORD coming upon individuals is further explored in the New Testament, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry and witness.