Judges 11:4
*It came about after a while that the sons of Ammon fought against Israel* (v.4). The verse situates us in a tense period of Israel’s history during the era of the judges, roughly between 1375 and 1050 BC. At this juncture, the nation of Israel had settled in the Promised Land after Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s conquests, but they were consistently beset by external threats. Here, the Ammonites, who lived east of the Jordan River in an area that largely overlaps with modern-day Jordan, begin to make war on Israel. This conflict would soon serve as the backdrop for the story of Jephthah and how God uses him to deliver the Israelites from oppression.
By stating, *“It came about after a while that the sons of Ammon fought against Israel”* (v.4), the verse underscores a cycle seen throughout the Book of Judges: Israel abandons God, faces aggression from a hostile neighbor, cries out for deliverance, and God raises up a judge to lead them to victory. The Ammonites had historic claims and grievances against Israel, dating back to earlier generations. This hostility signals the broader theme of how God’s chosen people regularly encountered difficulties when they strayed from faithfulness.
In the bigger picture of Scripture, this verse prefigures a longing for a permanent resolution—a longing that would ultimately be fulfilled in Jesus Christ (NASB-95: Romans 5:1–2). Though this verse does not directly mention a Savior, the pattern of need and rescue points forward to the work of Jesus, who brings everlasting peace for those who believe (NASB-95: John 14:27).
This verse highlights the recurring threat of the Ammonites and foreshadows God’s intervention for Israel.
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 4:11 meaning. Judges 4:11 introduces Heber the Kenite. The details concerning Heber’s location and lineage in this verse foreshadow his involvement in the unfolding events of Sisera’s defeat, though it seems incidental at first.
- Judges 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.
- Judges 4:17-22 meaning. This passage narrates the surprising and decisive role of a woman named Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, in the defeat of Sisera. After fleeing the battle, Sisera seeks refuge in Jael’s tent, where she deceptively offers him hospitality. However, once Sisera falls asleep, Jael takes initiative and marks her place in Israel’s redemptive history.