Judges 11:6

"Come," they said, "be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites."

Study Bible

“Come,” they said,
This phrase indicates an invitation or a call to action. In the context of Judges 11, the leaders of Gilead are reaching out to Jephthah, who had been previously rejected and exiled. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses the rejected or unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to how David was chosen despite being the youngest and least likely among his brothers (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

“be our commander,”
The request for Jephthah to be their commander highlights the desperation of the Gileadites. They needed a strong leader to guide them in battle. This mirrors other instances in the Bible where God raises leaders during times of crisis, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). The term "commander" suggests a military role, emphasizing the need for strategic leadership and courage.

so that we can fight against the Ammonites.”
The Ammonites were a perennial enemy of Israel, often engaging in conflict over land and resources. Historically, the Ammonites were descendants of Lot (Genesis 19:38), and their territory was located east of the Jordan River. This conflict is part of a larger narrative of Israel's struggle to maintain its God-given land against surrounding nations. The request to fight against the Ammonites also foreshadows the deliverance that God often provides through chosen leaders, a type of Christ who delivers His people from sin and oppression.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A mighty warrior and the son of Gilead, Jephthah was initially rejected by his family but later called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites.

2. Gilead
The region where Jephthah was from, located east of the Jordan River. It was a significant area for the tribes of Israel, particularly for the tribe of Manasseh.

3. Ammonites
A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and were known for their hostility towards Israel.

4. Elders of Gilead
The leaders of the region who sought out Jephthah to lead them in battle against the Ammonites, despite having previously rejected him.

5. Conflict with the Ammonites
The ongoing struggle between Israel and the Ammonites, which forms the backdrop for Jephthah's rise to leadership.

Teaching Points

God Uses the Rejected
Jephthah's account illustrates how God can use those who have been rejected by society for His purposes. Despite being cast out, Jephthah was chosen to lead and deliver Israel.

Leadership and Humility
True leadership often requires humility and a willingness to serve those who may have wronged us. Jephthah's acceptance of the elders' request demonstrates this principle.

Faith in Adversity
Jephthah's faith in God during a time of national crisis is a reminder that our trust in God should remain steadfast, even when circumstances seem dire.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness
The elders' plea to Jephthah and his acceptance can be seen as an act of reconciliation, teaching us the importance of forgiveness and unity in the body of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jephthah's initial rejection by his family and later acceptance as a leader reflect God's ability to use anyone for His purposes? Can you think of other biblical figures who experienced similar situations?

2. In what ways does Jephthah's account encourage us to remain faithful and trust in God's plan, even when we face rejection or adversity?

3. How can Jephthah's willingness to lead those who once rejected him teach us about forgiveness and reconciliation in our own lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from the elders of Gilead about recognizing and valuing the gifts and abilities of others, even if we have previously overlooked them?

5. How does the conflict between Israel and the Ammonites in Judges 11 relate to the broader theme of spiritual warfare in the New Testament, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Judges 11:1-3
Provides context for Jephthah's background and his initial rejection by his family, setting the stage for his later leadership.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Mentions Jephthah among the heroes of faith, highlighting his role in delivering Israel through faith and reliance on God.

Deuteronomy 2:19
Discusses the relationship between Israel and the Ammonites, providing historical context for their interactions and conflicts.