With a great blow he devastated twenty cities from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites. He struck themThe phrase "He struck them" refers to Jephthah's decisive military action against the Ammonites. The Hebrew root word for "struck" is נָכָה (nakah), which often implies a forceful and effective blow. This action signifies God's empowerment of Jephthah, as he was chosen to deliver Israel from oppression. Historically, this reflects the cyclical pattern in Judges where God raises leaders to rescue His people when they repent and cry out for help. from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith twenty cities as far as Abel-keramim So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites Persons / Places / Events 1. JephthahA judge of Israel, known for his leadership and military prowess. He was the son of Gilead and a harlot, which initially led to his rejection by his family. However, he was later called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites. 2. Ammonites A group of people who were descendants of Lot, living east of the Jordan River. They were often in conflict with Israel, and in this passage, they are the adversaries whom Jephthah defeats. 3. Aroer A city located on the north bank of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory that Jephthah conquered from the Ammonites. 4. Minnith A location mentioned in the context of Jephthah's victory, possibly a region known for its wheat production. 5. Abel-keramim A place mentioned as part of the territory Jephthah captured, possibly known for its vineyards. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in DeliveranceJephthah's victory over the Ammonites demonstrates God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people, even through unlikely leaders. The Consequences of Rash Vows Jephthah's account is a cautionary tale about making vows without considering the consequences, reminding believers to be thoughtful and prayerful in their commitments. Faith and Leadership Despite his background, Jephthah was used by God to lead Israel. This teaches that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to fulfill His purposes. The Importance of Seeking God's Guidance Before engaging in battle, Jephthah sought the Lord's guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine direction in our decisions. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jephthah's background and initial rejection by his family influence his leadership style and relationship with God?2. In what ways does Jephthah's victory over the Ammonites reflect God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel? 3. How can Jephthah's account inform our understanding of making and keeping vows or commitments in our own lives? 4. What lessons can we learn from Jephthah's reliance on God before going into battle, and how can we apply this to our own decision-making processes? 5. How does Jephthah's inclusion in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith challenge or encourage you in your own faith journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Judges 11:29-40Provides context for Jephthah's vow and the events leading up to and following the battle with the Ammonites. Deuteronomy 2:19 Discusses the relationship between Israel and the Ammonites, highlighting God's instructions to Israel regarding their land. Hebrews 11:32-34 Mentions Jephthah as a man of faith, connecting his account to the broader account of faith in action.
People Abel, Ammonites, Amorites, Balak, Chemosh, Israelites, Jephthah, Manasseh, Sihon, ZipporPlaces Abel-keramim, Ammon, Arnon, Aroer, Edom, Egypt, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Minnith, Mizpah, Moab, Red Sea, TobTopics Abel, Abelcheramim, Abel-cheramim, Abel-keramim, Ammon, Ammonites, Aroer, Aro'er, Attack, Bene-ammon, Cities, Comest, Crushed, Entrance, Humbled, Keramim, Meadow, Minnith, Neighborhood, Numbers, Overrunning, Plain, Presence, Slaughter, Smiteth, Smiting, Smote, Sons, Struck, Subdued, Sword, Thus, Till, Towns, Twenty, Vicinity, VineyardsDictionary of Bible Themes Judges 11:28-40Library 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. A Cloud of Witnesses. Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee. Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ Judges Links Judges 11:33 NIVJudges 11:33 NLT Judges 11:33 ESV Judges 11:33 NASB Judges 11:33 KJV Judges 11:33 Commentaries Bible Hub |