Judges 11:14 Study Bible: And the messengers returned to Jephthah, and Jephthah sent messengers again to the king of the children of Ammon;

◄ Judges 11:14 ►

Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites

Jephthah
The name Jephthah is derived from the Hebrew root "פָּתַח" (patah), meaning "to open" or "to release." Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is a figure of deliverance and leadership. His account is one of redemption, as he rises from being an outcast to a leader chosen by God to deliver Israel. This reflects the biblical theme of God using unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing that divine calling transcends human limitations and societal rejection.

again sent
The phrase "again sent" indicates persistence and a desire for peaceful resolution. In the Hebrew context, the repetition of sending messengers underscores Jephthah's commitment to diplomacy before resorting to conflict. This reflects a biblical principle of seeking peace and reconciliation, aligning with Jesus' teaching in the New Testament to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). It highlights the importance of exhausting all peaceful avenues before engaging in warfare.

messengers
The use of "messengers" in this context is significant. In ancient times, messengers were vital for communication between leaders and nations. They were entrusted with delivering important messages and negotiating terms. This reflects the biblical theme of God using intermediaries to convey His will, as seen with prophets and apostles. It also emphasizes the importance of communication and the role of individuals who carry messages of peace and truth.

to the king of the Ammonites
The "king of the Ammonites" refers to the ruler of a nation that was often in conflict with Israel. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot, Abraham's nephew, and their history with Israel is marked by tension and warfare. This phrase situates the narrative within the broader context of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual and physical battles God's people face and the need for divine guidance and intervention in overcoming adversaries.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Messengers
Representatives sent by Jephthah to communicate with the king of the Ammonites. This reflects the diplomatic efforts before engaging in battle.

3. King of the Ammonites
The ruler of the Ammonites, who were in conflict with Israel over territorial disputes. The Ammonites claimed that Israel had taken their land during the Exodus.

4. Ammonites
A people descended from Lot, living east of the Jordan River. They were often in conflict with Israel over land and resources.

5. Gilead
The region where Jephthah was from, located east of the Jordan River. It was a significant area during the time of the Judges.

Teaching Points

Diplomacy Before Conflict
Jephthah's approach to send messengers emphasizes the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions before resorting to conflict. Christians are encouraged to pursue peace and reconciliation in their relationships.

Understanding Historical Context
Knowing the historical and cultural background of biblical events helps us understand the motivations and actions of the characters involved. This can deepen our appreciation of God's providence and justice.

Faith and Leadership
Jephthah's account is a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their past or social standing, to fulfill His purposes. Believers should be open to God's calling and trust in His plan.

The Consequences of Rash Vows
Later in Jephthah's account, his rash vow leads to tragic consequences. This teaches the importance of careful consideration and seeking God's wisdom before making commitments.

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 unlikely individuals for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we apply Jephthah's diplomatic approach to resolving conflicts in our own lives?

3. How does understanding the historical context of Israel's journey and territorial disputes enhance our reading of Judges 11?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jephthah's faith and leadership, as mentioned in Hebrews 11, despite his imperfections?

5. How can we ensure that our commitments and vows align with God's will, avoiding the pitfalls of rash decisions as seen in Jephthah's account?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 21
Provides background on the territorial disputes between Israel and the Ammonites, detailing Israel's journey and conquests during the Exodus.

Deuteronomy 2
Offers insight into God's instructions to Israel regarding the lands of the Ammonites and other neighboring nations.

Hebrews 11
Jephthah is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlighting his faith despite his flawed vow.

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

Addeth, Ammon, Ammonite, Ammonites, Bene-ammon, Jephthah, Messengers, Sons, Yet

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Judges 11:13

4260 rivers and streams

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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