Topical Encyclopedia Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is remembered as a judge of Israel who led the Israelites in a victorious campaign against the Ammonites. His account is primarily found in Judges 11-12. Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and his subsequent life in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers around him (Judges 11:1-3).Despite his outcast status, Jephthah was recognized for his valor and leadership abilities. When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turned to Jephthah for help, asking him to lead their forces. Jephthah initially rebuked them for their previous rejection but agreed to their request on the condition that he would become their head if God granted him victory (Judges 11:4-11). Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to resolve the conflict diplomatically. He sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, arguing that Israel had not taken Ammonite land but had instead conquered territory from the Amorites, which God had given them. The king of Ammon, however, dismissed Jephthah's message, leading to war (Judges 11:12-28). Jephthah's vow is one of the most controversial aspects of his account. Before the battle, he made a vow to the LORD, saying, "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, 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" (Judges 11:30-31). The LORD granted Jephthah victory, and upon his return, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet him. Bound by his vow, Jephthah fulfilled it, a decision that has been the subject of much theological debate (Judges 11:32-40). Jephthah's leadership extended beyond the battle with the Ammonites. He also dealt with internal strife among the Israelites. The Ephraimites, feeling slighted for not being called to fight against the Ammonites, confronted Jephthah. This led to a conflict in which Jephthah's forces defeated the Ephraimites, further solidifying his role as a leader in Israel (Judges 12:1-6). Jephthah judged Israel for six years before his death. His tenure as a judge is marked by both his military success and the tragic fulfillment of his vow. His account serves as a complex narrative of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash promises. Jephthah is later mentioned in the New Testament, in the Book of Hebrews, as one of the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:32). Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:1Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. Nave's Topical Index Judges 12:1-7 Greek 2422. Iephthae -- Jephthah, a judge of Isr. ... Iephthae. 2423 . Jephthah, a judge of Isr. ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Yiphtach Definition Jephthah, a judge of Isr. NASB Word Usage Jephthah (1). Jephthah. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2422.htm - 6k Library The Judges. Judges and Ruth. The Kingdom Conquering Israel's Obstinacy and God's Patience Judges The Third Commandment Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Samson the Strong. Hebrews xi. 28-31 Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ. Resources Why did God judge Nineveh so harshly in the book of Nahum? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians judge the teachings of their leaders? | GotQuestions.org If we are born in sin, how is it fair for God to judge us for our sin? | GotQuestions.org Judge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judge: Appointed by the Persians Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Judge: Corrupt: The Judges of Jezreel Judge: Judges (Outstanding Leaders) of Israel: During the Time when the Land Was Ruled by Judges Judge: Kings and Other Rulers As Judge: Samson: Samuel As the Leader (Judge) Judge: Samson: The Sons of Samuel Related Terms |
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