Judges 11:33
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 them
The 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
"Aroer" was a city located on the northern bank of the Arnon River, marking the southern boundary of the territory in question. Archaeologically, Aroer has been identified with modern-day Arair in Jordan. This location is significant as it represents the starting point of Jephthah's campaign, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his victory.

to the vicinity of Minnith
"Minnith" is mentioned as a location near the end of Jephthah's campaign. While its exact location is uncertain, it is believed to be in the region of Ammon. The mention of Minnith highlights the extent of the territory reclaimed or subdued, showcasing the thoroughness of the victory God granted to Israel.

twenty cities
The phrase "twenty cities" underscores the magnitude of Jephthah's conquest. The number twenty in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or a significant quantity. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive defeat of the Ammonites, demonstrating God's power and favor upon Israel through Jephthah's leadership.

as far as Abel-keramim
"Abel-keramim" translates to "meadow of vineyards," indicating a fertile area. This location marks the northern extent of Jephthah's campaign. The mention of vineyards may symbolize prosperity and abundance, suggesting that the victory brought not only military success but also potential economic benefits to Israel.

So the Ammonites were subdued
The phrase "the Ammonites were subdued" indicates a complete and decisive defeat. The Hebrew root כָּנַע (kana) means to bring into subjection or to humble. This subjugation reflects God's judgment upon the Ammonites for their aggression against Israel and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and justice.

before the Israelites
"Before the Israelites" signifies that the victory was witnessed by the people of Israel, reinforcing their faith in God's deliverance. It also implies that the Israelites were the beneficiaries of this divine intervention, receiving peace and security as a result of Jephthah's leadership and God's favor.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jephthah
A 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 Deliverance
Jephthah'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 11:29-40
Provides 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.
Different Views Held as to Jephthah's VowL. H. Wiseman, M. A.Judges 11:1-33
JephthahW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah's VowT. 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 Spirit of Sacred WarfareA.F. Muir Judges 11:29-33
Jephthah's VowA.F. Muir Judges 11:30, 31, 34-40
Jephthah's VowW.F. Adeney Judges 11:30-40
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
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, Vineyards
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 11:28-40

     8644   commemoration

Judges 11:29-40

     5468   promises, human

Judges 11:30-35

     5803   carelessness

Judges 11:30-40

     5741   vows

Judges 11:32-33

     5354   invasions

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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