Judges 11:6
In this verse we read, *“and they said to Jephthah, ‘Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon’” (v.6)*. The elders of Gilead reach out to Jephthah, someone previously cast out, with an urgent plea to lead them in their struggle. Gilead was a region east of the Jordan River, known for its mountainous terrain and balm-producing plants, situated in what is modern-day Jordan. In this pivotal moment, Israel’s leaders recognize that the rejected man, Jephthah, holds key military and leadership qualities necessary to deliver them from a formidable foe.
Jephthah, an important figure in Israel’s history around 1100 BC, enters the scene as a potential savior for a distressed people. By stating, *“Come and be our chief” (v.6)*, the elders effectively set aside whatever past disagreements they once had with him. Jephthah’s life is notable because he rose from an outcast to a judge of Israel (Judges 12:7), a clear demonstration of how God can use unexpected individuals to accomplish His purposes. Even in the New Testament, we see how Jesus, though rejected by many (John 1:11 NASB-95), is recognized by others as the true leader and deliverer who rescues people from spiritual bondage.
The request that Jephthah *“…may fight against the sons of Ammon” (v.6)* foreshadows the coming battle against a persistent enemy of Israel. The sons of Ammon occupied territory east of the Jordan, near Gilead, and were frequently at odds with Israel (Judges 3:13 NASB-95). In asking Jephthah to lead them, Israel’s elders were admitting their dependence on someone stronger to overcome their adversity, mirroring how believers depend on Jesus Christ as their ultimate Savior (Romans 5:18-19 NASB-95).
They recognized Jephthah as the leader they needed in their desperation and turned to him for deliverance.
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 5:6-8 meaning. The second segment of the song to the Lord in Judges 5 reflects the turmoil and oppression that Israel faced before the victory led by Deborah and Barak. The people had been living in fear and desolation. Yet, through Deborah’s faithfulness, God began to restore Israel, leading to the defeat of their enemies.