Judges 11:11

Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.

Then Jephthah {H3316} went {H3212} with the elders {H2205} of Gilead {H1568}, and the people {H5971} made {H7760} him head {H7218} and captain {H7101} over them: and Jephthah {H3316} uttered {H1696} all his words {H1697} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} in Mizpeh {H4709}.

Then Yiftach went with the leaders of Gil'ad, and the people made him head and chief over them. Yiftach repeated all these conditions at Mitzpah in the presence of ADONAI.

So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah.

Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and chief over them: and Jephthah spake all his words before Jehovah in Mizpah.

Commentary

Judges 11:11 marks a pivotal moment in the story of Jephthah, confirming his leadership role over the people of Gilead during a time of severe crisis. This verse solidifies the agreement made between Jephthah and the elders, establishing him as the military and political head chosen by the people and, significantly, ratified before the Lord.

Context

The preceding chapters in Judges describe Israel's continued cycle of apostasy, oppression, and cries for deliverance. The Ammonites had been afflicting Israel east of the Jordan for eighteen years (Judges 10:8). The people of Gilead, facing imminent invasion, remembered Jephthah, a mighty warrior who had been cast out by his brothers but was living in the land of Tob (Judges 11:3). The elders of Gilead sought him out and pleaded with him to be their commander against the Ammonites (Judges 11:6). After initial hesitation and negotiation, Jephthah agreed, on the condition that if he was successful, he would remain their head (Judges 11:9). This verse confirms that agreement was honored.

Key Themes

  • Confirmation of Leadership: The verse explicitly states the people made Jephthah "head and captain over them," fulfilling the condition he had set and establishing his authority.
  • The People's Choice: While the elders initiated the request, the text emphasizes that "the people made him" leader, indicating a popular affirmation of his role.
  • Significance of Mizpeh: Mizpeh in Gilead was a significant assembly point, likely chosen for its strategic location or historical importance for gatherings.
  • Acknowledging God's Role: Jephthah "uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh," highlighting that this was not just a human political appointment but an act conducted in the presence and under the authority of God. This act sanctified the agreement and the impending military campaign.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "head and captain" uses two terms indicating leadership. "Head" (Hebrew: ro'sh) often refers to the chief or leader, while "captain" (Hebrew: qatsin) typically denotes a military commander or leader. Together, they underscore Jephthah's comprehensive authority over the Gileadites in this crisis. Uttering "all his words before the LORD" signifies a formal declaration or vow made publicly in a sacred context, acknowledging God's oversight and invoking His potential involvement.

Reflection

Jephthah's elevation, despite his difficult past, shows how God can raise up leaders from unexpected places to accomplish His purposes. The act of Jephthah speaking "before the LORD" reminds us that significant undertakings, especially those involving leadership and conflict, should be brought before God, seeking His guidance and acknowledging His sovereignty over the outcomes. It wasn't just a human contract between Jephthah and the people; it was a commitment made with divine witness.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 10:17 (7 votes)

    ¶ And Samuel called the people together unto the LORD to Mizpeh;

  • Judges 20:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

  • Judges 10:17 (7 votes)

    Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.

  • James 1:5 (5 votes)

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • James 1:17 (5 votes)

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • 1 Samuel 11:15 (4 votes)

    And all the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saul king before the LORD in Gilgal; and there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the LORD; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.

  • 1 Kings 3:7 (2 votes)

    And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I [am but] a little child: I know not [how] to go out or come in.