Judges 11:15
*and said to him, “Thus says Jephthah, ‘Israel did not take away the land of Moab nor the land of the sons of Ammon.’”* (v.15) These words reflect the message Jephthah, who served as a judge in Israel around 1100 BC, delivered to the ruler of the Ammonites. Prior to this moment, the king of the Ammonites accused Israel of seizing territory that belonged to his people when they came out of Egypt. In response, Jephthah clarifies that Israel never unlawfully stole these lands. Instead, Jephthah recounts in the surrounding verses how the Israelites only took possession of regions that the Lord had delivered into their hands. This recollection connects with the broader biblical theme of trusting in the Lord’s sovereignty, similar to Israel’s other conquests described in the Pentateuch. Their presence in these territories was sanctioned by God’s plan rather than human ambition.
Geographically, Moab was located east of the Dead Sea, a rugged and mountainous region. It was historically tied to the descendants of Lot through his eldest daughter. The “land of the sons of Ammon” refers to the mountainous territory to the northeast of Moab, also descending from Lot but through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:36–38 NASB-95). Jephthah’s statement highlights that these two kingdoms had their own designated areas and histories that the Israelites respected, according to God’s instruction (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19 NASB-95). By declaring, *“Israel did not take away the land of Moab nor the land of the sons of Ammon”* (v.15), Jephthah references this earlier divine guidance, showing that God honors boundaries for nations He has set, just as He leads His people faithfully.
This verse reminds readers that God’s people are called to follow His direction and trust Him for provision, much like the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus, who guides believers into their eternal inheritance (John 14:2–3 NASB-95). Israel’s occupation of these lands was not a result of greed or conquest but a manifestation of God’s promise and their obedience. Jephthah’s appeal to history and divine decree underscores the broader biblical message that God is sovereign over nations and that human conflicts should be measured against the standard of God’s truth rather than personal ambition.
Israel’s recognition of God’s sovereignty negated the false claim that they stole the territory.
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.
- Numbers 5:11-15 meaning. The next subject, which is called "the law of jealousy" in Numbers 5:29, is discussed in verses 11-31. It concerns marital infidelity that was suspected but not verified. The marriage relationship, the most basic of all between humans, and the building block for a successful self-governing society, was a reflection of one’s relationship to the LORD. To be unfaithful in marriage was to be unfaithful to one’s LORD.