Judges 11:14
*But Jephthah sent messengers again to the king of the sons of Ammon,* (v.14). Jephthah was a judge in Israel around 1100 BC, during the time between Joshua’s leadership and the establishment of the Israelite monarchy. He ruled in the eastern territories of Gilead (across the Jordan River) and faced conflict with the Ammonites, who were descendants of Lot’s younger daughter and often hostile to Israel citeturn0file7. This verse centers on Jephthah’s effort to resolve the looming battle peacefully by sending another appeal to the king of the sons of Ammon, demonstrating a desire to seek diplomatic efforts before engaging in open warfare.
The Ammonites lived east of the Jordan, between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers citeturn0file7. Historical records in Scripture describe them as frequent adversaries to the Israelites throughout the period of the judges (Judges 3:13, 10:9–10) citeturn0file7. Leveraging his position as Israel’s appointed deliverer, Jephthah attempted to show respect for existing boundaries and treaties—an act pointing to his desire for a just resolution. Although he had a challenging background (Judges 11:1–3), Jephthah’s role as judge and his reliance on God placed him among those commended for their faith citeturn0file14.
By sending a second set of messengers, Jephthah gave the Ammonite king another chance to relent and avoid war. It underscores a principle that God’s people consistently offered peace before taking up arms, a pattern also reflected in parts of the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 20:10). Ultimately, as the wider story in Judges 11 explains, God used Jephthah to deliver Israel despite his humble origin, recalling the biblical theme that what the world sees as insignificant can still be used by the Lord for His purposes.
Jephthah’s second attempt to negotiate with the king of Ammon highlights a lesson in seeking peaceful resolution before conflict and models trusting God’s sovereignty over every circumstance.
Jephthah persistently tried diplomacy with the Ammonite king, reflecting Israel’s reliance on God even amid threats of war.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 2:11-15 meaning. The Israelites fall into idolatry, abandoning the Lord to serve the Baals and Ashtaroth. This disobedience provokes God’s anger, leading to their oppression by enemies and severe distress, as He fulfills the warnings given to them.
- Judges 3:9-11 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Othniel, who delivers the Israelites from the oppression of Cushan-rishathaim. Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Othniel leads Israel to victory and ushers in a period of peace that lasts forty years.