Judges 11:6 - They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.”
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What does "Judges 11:6" mean?
This verse, Judges 11:6, is a pivotal moment in the story of Jephthah. It means the following:
"They" refers to the elders of Gilead. These were the leaders of the Israelite territory of Gilead, which was under attack by the Ammonites.
"Jephthah" was a skilled warrior, but he was also an outcast. He was the son of a prostitute, and his legitimate half-brothers had driven him away from their inheritance.
"Come and be our chief" is an offer of leadership. The elders are asking Jephthah to become their leader and commander of their military forces. They recognize his military abilities and believe he's the only one who can save them from the Ammonites.
"That we may fight with the children of Ammon" states the purpose of Jephthah's leadership: to lead them in battle against the Ammonites. The Ammonites were a neighboring nation who were currently attacking and oppressing the Israelites of Gilead.
In essence, the elders of Gilead, desperate for a leader to defend them against the Ammonites, are swallowing their pride and offering Jephthah, the outcast warrior, the position of chief in exchange for his military leadership. This is significant because:
It shows the desperation of the elders. They are willing to overlook Jephthah's questionable background in order to survive.
It sets up the internal conflict for Jephthah. He had been wronged by these same people (or their relatives) and now they are asking for his help. This situation sets up the bargaining that follows in the next verses.
It foreshadows the tragedy to come. Jephthah's desire for recognition and his impulsiveness will lead him to make a rash vow that will have devastating consequences.
This verse marks a turning point in the narrative and sets the stage for the tragic story of Jephthah.
Judges 11:6 - They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.”
What does "Judges 11:6" mean?
This verse, Judges 11:6, is a pivotal moment in the story of Jephthah. It means the following:
"They" refers to the elders of Gilead. These were the leaders of the Israelite territory of Gilead, which was under attack by the Ammonites.
"Jephthah" was a skilled warrior, but he was also an outcast. He was the son of a prostitute, and his legitimate half-brothers had driven him away from their inheritance.
"Come and be our chief" is an offer of leadership. The elders are asking Jephthah to become their leader and commander of their military forces. They recognize his military abilities and believe he's the only one who can save them from the Ammonites.
"That we may fight with the children of Ammon" states the purpose of Jephthah's leadership: to lead them in battle against the Ammonites. The Ammonites were a neighboring nation who were currently attacking and oppressing the Israelites of Gilead.
In essence, the elders of Gilead, desperate for a leader to defend them against the Ammonites, are swallowing their pride and offering Jephthah, the outcast warrior, the position of chief in exchange for his military leadership. This is significant because:
It shows the desperation of the elders. They are willing to overlook Jephthah's questionable background in order to survive.
It sets up the internal conflict for Jephthah. He had been wronged by these same people (or their relatives) and now they are asking for his help. This situation sets up the bargaining that follows in the next verses.
It foreshadows the tragedy to come. Jephthah's desire for recognition and his impulsiveness will lead him to make a rash vow that will have devastating consequences.
This verse marks a turning point in the narrative and sets the stage for the tragic story of Jephthah.