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Judges 11:1-11 – Jephthah

The promise in Judges 10:18 that the man who leads the Israelites against the Ammonites will be head over the inhabitants of Gilead introduces the story of Jephthah. Jephthah is a Gileadite. In this case, “Gileadite” probably refers not to all the people of the region, but to the part of the tribe of Manasseh descended from Gilead son of Machir son of Manasseh. Jephthah’s father, also named Gilead, had many sons by his wife. However, as we saw in the account of Gideon and his many wives and sons, in the dark times of rampant idolatry and sin in Israel, marriage was not honored. Jephthah’s mother was not Gilead’s wife, but another woman.

Because he is not the son of their mother, Jephthah’s brothers have driven him away, and he has moved to the land of Tob in the northern part of the lands of Manasseh east of the Sea of Galilee. In Tob, Jephthah has gathered many desperate and “worthless” men around him. He not only is a mighty warrior, he has become known as a leader of men. Though he has been driven away, Jephthah is just the kind of man the people of Gilead need to lead them against the Ammonites. So, they send for him. They offer to make him their head if he leads them against the Ammonites. He says he will accept this headship if the LORD grants him victory. Bravely, Jephthah makes this agreement with the Gileadites at Mizpah, near where the Ammonites have been encamped. More importantly, he makes this agreement “before the LORD.” This is not simply a contract between man and man, it is a covenant before the LORD.

God is pleased to take those whom others reject and do mighty things with them. In this sense, Jephthah foreshadows Christ Himself, who was despised and rejected, but who became the Savior of all who trust in Him.

Questions

  1. Why was Jephthah living in the land of Tob?
  2. Why did the Gileadites ask him to return?
  3. How does Jephthah foreshadow Christ?

Prayer Points

  1. Pray that God will send us the right leaders for our time.
  2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
  3. Pray for family matters.