Judges 11:5 - When the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.
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What does "Judges 11:5" mean?
This verse, Judges 11:5, sets the stage for the story of Jephthah and highlights the dire situation Israel was in when they faced war with the Ammonites. Let's break down what it means:
"When the children of Ammon made war against Israel...": This establishes the historical context. The Ammonites, a neighboring nation, initiated hostilities against the Israelites. This was a common occurrence throughout the book of Judges, where Israel's faithlessness led to oppression from surrounding peoples.
"...the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.": This reveals Israel's predicament and their solution.
The elders of Gilead: Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, often on the front lines of conflicts. The "elders" were the leaders of the community, responsible for governance and defense. They represented the established leadership of the region.
Jephthah: Jephthah was a mighty warrior, but he was also an outcast. He was the son of a prostitute, and his half-brothers drove him away from his home and inheritance (as mentioned earlier in Judges 11).
The land of Tob: This was a region northeast of Gilead, a place where Jephthah had taken refuge and gathered a band of "worthless fellows" or mercenaries (Judges 11:3).
went to get Jephthah: The elders, facing a serious threat from the Ammonites, swallowed their pride and sought help from the very man they had previously rejected. They recognized that Jephthah's military skills were their best hope for victory.
In summary, the verse means:
When the Ammonites attacked Israel, the leaders of Gilead, realizing they were in trouble, had to humble themselves and seek out Jephthah, a skilled warrior whom they had previously rejected and who was now living in exile in the land of Tob, hoping he would lead them in battle.
Significance:
This verse is crucial because it highlights:
Israel's weakness: They were in a desperate situation, unable to defend themselves without outside help.
Jephthah's potential: Despite his past, he was recognized as a capable military leader.
The theme of rejection and redemption: Jephthah, once rejected, becomes the savior of his people.
The desperation of the elders: Their willingness to ask for help from someone they had previously ostracized shows how serious the Ammonite threat was. It also highlights their lack of faith, as they turn to human strength instead of relying on God initially.
This verse sets the stage for the complex and tragic story of Jephthah, his rise to power, his vow, and its devastating consequences.
Judges 11:5 - When the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.
What does "Judges 11:5" mean?
This verse, Judges 11:5, sets the stage for the story of Jephthah and highlights the dire situation Israel was in when they faced war with the Ammonites. Let's break down what it means:
"When the children of Ammon made war against Israel...": This establishes the historical context. The Ammonites, a neighboring nation, initiated hostilities against the Israelites. This was a common occurrence throughout the book of Judges, where Israel's faithlessness led to oppression from surrounding peoples.
"...the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.": This reveals Israel's predicament and their solution.
The elders of Gilead: Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, often on the front lines of conflicts. The "elders" were the leaders of the community, responsible for governance and defense. They represented the established leadership of the region.
Jephthah: Jephthah was a mighty warrior, but he was also an outcast. He was the son of a prostitute, and his half-brothers drove him away from his home and inheritance (as mentioned earlier in Judges 11).
The land of Tob: This was a region northeast of Gilead, a place where Jephthah had taken refuge and gathered a band of "worthless fellows" or mercenaries (Judges 11:3).
went to get Jephthah: The elders, facing a serious threat from the Ammonites, swallowed their pride and sought help from the very man they had previously rejected. They recognized that Jephthah's military skills were their best hope for victory.
In summary, the verse means:
When the Ammonites attacked Israel, the leaders of Gilead, realizing they were in trouble, had to humble themselves and seek out Jephthah, a skilled warrior whom they had previously rejected and who was now living in exile in the land of Tob, hoping he would lead them in battle.
Significance:
This verse is crucial because it highlights:
Israel's weakness: They were in a desperate situation, unable to defend themselves without outside help.
Jephthah's potential: Despite his past, he was recognized as a capable military leader.
The theme of rejection and redemption: Jephthah, once rejected, becomes the savior of his people.
The desperation of the elders: Their willingness to ask for help from someone they had previously ostracized shows how serious the Ammonite threat was. It also highlights their lack of faith, as they turn to human strength instead of relying on God initially.
This verse sets the stage for the complex and tragic story of Jephthah, his rise to power, his vow, and its devastating consequences.