Topical Encyclopedia The term "Men of Gilead" refers to the inhabitants of the region of Gilead, a mountainous area east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. Throughout biblical history, the Men of Gilead are depicted in various narratives, some of which involve acts of intense hatred and conflict.One of the most notable accounts involving the Men of Gilead is found in the Book of Judges, particularly in the account of Jephthah, a Gileadite. Jephthah, the son of Gilead, was a mighty warrior who was initially rejected by his own people due to his illegitimate birth. However, when the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead sought Jephthah's leadership to deliver them from their enemies. This narrative highlights the complex social dynamics and internal strife within Gilead, as well as the broader theme of redemption and deliverance through unlikely means. In Judges 12, a tragic episode of inter-tribal conflict is recorded, where the Men of Gilead, under Jephthah's command, clashed with the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraimites accused the Gileadites of not calling them to fight against the Ammonites, leading to a bitter confrontation. The Gileadites, fueled by resentment and a desire to assert their strength, defeated the Ephraimites. The conflict escalated to the point where the Gileadites seized the fords of the Jordan River, and in a brutal act of vengeance, they identified and killed fleeing Ephraimites by their inability to pronounce the word "Shibboleth" correctly. This incident is a stark example of how hatred and tribal animosity can lead to violence and bloodshed among the people of God. The prophet Hosea also references the Men of Gilead in a context of moral and spiritual decline. In Hosea 6:8, Gilead is described as a city of evildoers, stained with footprints of blood. This portrayal underscores the pervasive sin and corruption that had taken root in the region, contributing to the broader narrative of Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting divine judgment. The accounts involving the Men of Gilead serve as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of hatred and division. They illustrate how internal conflicts and personal grievances can escalate into larger, more devastating consequences. The biblical narrative consistently calls for reconciliation, unity, and adherence to God's commandments as the antidote to such destructive tendencies. In examining the Men of Gilead, one observes the recurring biblical theme of God's sovereignty and the potential for redemption even amidst human failure. Despite their flaws and the violence that marked their history, the Gileadites were part of God's chosen people, and their accounts contribute to the larger tapestry of God's redemptive plan for Israel and, ultimately, for all humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 11:7And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Joseph was Thus Sold by his Brethren into Egypt, by Reason of ... Man's Passions and God's Purpose The Grave of John, and Another Grave The King. Why I Believe the Old Book The Honoured Guest The Note of Accusation. Repentance unto Life A Description of Heart-Purity The Prophecy of Obadiah. Resources Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.orgHow does love cover all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12)? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He instructed us to hate our father and mother (Luke 14:26)? | GotQuestions.org Hatred: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hatred to Christ is on Account of his Testimony Against the World Hatred to Christ is Without Cause Hatred to Christ: Chief Priests Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his Father Hatred to Christ: Involves: Hatred to his People Hatred to Christ: No Escape for Those Who Persevere In Hatred to Christ: Punishment of Hatred: Against Iniquity, Justified Hatred: Inconsistent With: Liars Prone To Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Knowledge of God Hatred: Inconsistent With: The Love of God Hatred: Often Cloaked by Deceit Hatred: Saints should Give No Cause For Hatred: Saints should not Marvel At Hatred: Saints should not Rejoice in the Calamities of Those Who Exhibit Hatred: Saints should Return Good For Hatred: Scriptures Relating To Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Each Other Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards God Hatred: The Wicked Exhibit: Towards Saints Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Backsliding Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Evil Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: False Ways Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Hatred and Opposition to God Hatred: we should Exhibit Against: Lying Related Terms |
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