Judges 11:13

KJV

And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those [lands] again peaceably.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} answered {H559} unto the messengers {H4397} of Jephthah {H3316}, Because Israel {H3478} took away {H3947} my land {H776}, when they came up {H5927} out of Egypt {H4714}, from Arnon {H769} even unto Jabbok {H2999}, and unto Jordan {H3383}: now therefore restore those lands again {H7725} peaceably {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of 'Amon answered the messengers of Yiftach, "Because Isra'el took away my territory when they came up from Egypt. They took everything from the Arnon to the Yabok and the Yarden. Now, restore it peacefully."

Berean Standard Bible

The king of the Ammonites answered Jephthah’s messengers, “When Israel came up out of Egypt, they seized my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and all the way to the Jordan. Now, therefore, restore it peaceably.”

American Standard Version

And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when he came up out of Egypt, from the Arnon even unto the Jabbok, and unto the Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 11:13 records the Ammonite king's pivotal and provocative response to Jephthah's diplomatic overture, laying bare the pretext for the impending conflict. The king asserts that Israel unjustly seized his ancestral lands—specifically the territory between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers, extending to the Jordan—during their exodus from Egypt. This claim, though historically inaccurate, serves as the Ammonite justification for war, demanding the "peaceable" restoration of these lands, thereby framing the dispute as a matter of historical grievance and perceived injustice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a crucial diplomatic exchange (Judges 11:12-28) initiated by Jephthah, whom the Gileadites had reluctantly called upon to lead them against the Ammonite threat (Judges 11:4-11). Jephthah, seeking to avert bloodshed, sends messengers to the Ammonite king, inquiring about the cause of their aggression. Judges 11:13 provides the king's direct and accusatory reply, setting the stage for Jephthah's detailed historical and theological rebuttal in the subsequent verses (Judges 11:14-27). This exchange is central to the narrative, highlighting Jephthah's wisdom and his reliance on historical truth and divine sovereignty, contrasting sharply with the Ammonite king's distorted claims. The immediate literary context thus frames a conflict not merely of arms, but of competing historical narratives and claims to divine favor.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The disputed territory, "from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan," refers to the Transjordan region, a fertile and strategically vital area east of the Jordan River. The Arnon River (Wadi Mujib) served as a significant boundary, often separating Moab from the Amorites to the north, and later, Israel's tribes of Reuben and Gad. The Jabbok River (Nahr az-Zarqa) further north marked the boundary between Ammon and the Amorites, and later, the northern extent of Gad's territory. The Ammonite king's claim that Israel took *his* land upon their exodus is a deliberate misrepresentation. Historically, Israel conquered this land from Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had himself previously taken it from Moab (Numbers 21:21-32). The Ammonites had no legitimate claim to this specific territory at the time of Israel's conquest. This cultural practice of justifying territorial claims through selective or fabricated historical narratives was common in the ancient Near East, often serving as a casus belli for expansionist ambitions.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 11:13 vividly underscores several key themes. Firstly, **Territorial Disputes** are presented as a primary catalyst for conflict, demonstrating how land ownership, historical claims, and perceived injustices can ignite wars between nations. The Ammonite king's demand for "restoration" frames the dispute as a matter of justice, albeit based on a false premise. Secondly, **Misrepresentation of History** is a critical theme, as the Ammonite king's account is a clear distortion of the actual events surrounding Israel's entry into the Transjordan. This highlights how narratives can be manipulated to legitimize aggression or demands, making the discernment of truth crucial for understanding and resolving conflict, a point Jephthah meticulously addresses in his response (Judges 11:14-27). Thirdly, the underlying theme of **Divine Land Grant** is implicitly challenged. Israel's possession of the land was rooted in God's covenantal promise and sovereign direction (e.g., [Deuteronomy 1:8](/deuteronomy/1-8 "Deuteronomy 1:8 - God's Promise of the Land")). The Ammonite king's demand directly assails this divinely ordained inheritance, setting up a clash between human ambition and divine decree, a tension that permeates the book of Judges and the broader Old Testament narrative of Israel's settlement in the promised land (e.g., [Joshua 1:2-6](/joshua/1-2 "Joshua 1:2-6 - God's Command to Enter the Land")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Took away (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** This verb implies seizure, taking possession, or even stealing. The Ammonite king uses it to accuse Israel of an act of unjust appropriation, framing their settlement as an act of theft rather than a divinely sanctioned conquest of land from the Amorites. It carries a strong connotation of illegitimacy and grievance.
* **Land (Hebrew, _'erets'_):** More than mere territory, _'erets_ here signifies a people's ancestral domain, their inheritance, and the foundation of their national identity and security. The king's claim to "my land" underscores the deep cultural and existential significance of land ownership in the ancient world, where control of territory was synonymous with power, prosperity, and national survival.
* **Restore (Hebrew, _heshib'_):** This verb means to return, give back, or bring back. By demanding that Israel "restore" the lands, the Ammonite king positions himself as the rightful owner and Israel as the usurper. The demand for restoration, even "peaceably," carries the implicit threat of force if the demand is not met, making it a veiled ultimatum rather than a genuine offer of peaceful resolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah,"**: This opening clause establishes the diplomatic context, highlighting that this is a formal reply to Jephthah's inquiry. It underscores the gravity of the situation, as the king's words represent the official stance of the Ammonite nation, setting the stage for a potential war.
* **"Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt,"**: This is the core accusation, articulating the Ammonite king's justification for aggression. He grounds his claim in a historical event—Israel's exodus from Egypt—and accuses them of an unjust seizure of his territory. This statement is the foundation of his grievance, albeit a historically flawed one.
* **"from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan:"**: This specifies the geographical extent of the disputed territory. By naming these significant rivers, the king defines the precise boundaries of the land he claims was unjustly taken. This detail grounds the abstract claim in concrete, contested territory, emphasizing the scale and strategic importance of the land in question.
* **"now therefore restore those [lands] again peaceably."**: This concluding demand functions as an ultimatum. The phrase "now therefore" indicates a logical consequence of his accusation. The call to "restore... peaceably" is ironic; it is a demand backed by the implicit threat of war if not met, presenting a false choice between capitulation and conflict.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 11:13 employs several potent literary devices. **Rhetoric** is central, as the Ammonite king uses a historical claim, however distorted, to construct a persuasive argument for his aggressive stance. His language is designed to justify his actions and demands, framing Israel as the aggressor and himself as the aggrieved party. There is a strong element of **Irony** in the king's demand for the lands to be restored "peaceably," given that his very message is a declaration of intent to wage war if his terms are not met. This highlights the disingenuous nature of his "peace" offer. **Geographical Specificity** is used effectively by naming the Arnon, Jabbok, and Jordan rivers, which grounds the abstract territorial dispute in concrete, identifiable locations, emphasizing the real-world stakes of the conflict. Finally, the verse sets up a clear **Antithesis** between the Ammonite king's false historical narrative and the true account that Jephthah will subsequently provide, establishing a thematic tension between truth and deception as drivers of conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 11:13 serves as a stark illustration of how human ambition, distorted truth, and competing claims can ignite conflict, often directly challenging God's sovereign plan and promises. The Ammonite king's assertion of ownership over land that God had specifically designated for Israel, and which Israel had legitimately acquired from the Amorites, highlights the constant tension between human will and divine decree. It underscores the theological principle that God is the ultimate sovereign over all lands and nations, and His promises, particularly concerning Israel's inheritance, are inviolable. The king's demand is not merely a political grievance but, from a biblical perspective, an affront to God's established order and covenant with Israel. This verse implicitly calls believers to discern truth from falsehood, especially when claims are made that contradict God's revealed word or historical faithfulness.

* [Numbers 21:21-32](/numbers/21-21 "Numbers 21:21-32 - Israel Conquers Sihon")
* [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - God's Command Regarding Ammon")
* [Psalm 105:44](/psalm/105-44 "Psalm 105:44 - God Gave Them the Lands of the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 11:13 offers profound lessons for contemporary life, revealing how conflicts, whether personal, communal, or international, often stem from distorted narratives, historical grievances, and a lack of truth. The Ammonite king's self-serving reinterpretation of history demonstrates the human tendency to justify our desires or actions with incomplete, biased, or outright false information. This urges us to critically examine the narratives we encounter, especially those that seek to legitimize aggression or demand, and to cultivate a commitment to truth and accuracy. In our own relationships, how often do misunderstandings or disputes arise because we operate on partial information or a skewed version of events? The verse challenges us to seek the full and accurate context before making judgments or demands, fostering humility and a willingness to listen to opposing perspectives. Furthermore, it reminds us that while human claims and ambitions may clash, God's ultimate sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises remain unshaken. Our peace and security ultimately rest not on human territorial claims, but on the unwavering truth of God's word and His divine providence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do distorted narratives or historical inaccuracies contribute to conflict in our lives or in the world today?**
* **What role does truth-seeking play in resolving disputes, both personal and communal?**
* **In what ways might we, like the Ammonite king, sometimes justify our desires or actions with incomplete or biased information?**
* **How does God's sovereignty over land and inheritance challenge our human claims and ambitions?**

### FAQ
**Was the Ammonite king's claim historically accurate?**

Answer: No, the Ammonite king's claim was not historically accurate. Jephthah's detailed response in [Judges 11:14-28](/judges/11-14 "Judges 11:14-28 - Jephthah's Rebuttal") meticulously clarifies the true history. Israel did not take land from the Ammonites. Instead, they conquered the land from Sihon, king of the Amorites, who had previously taken it from the Moabites. Furthermore, God had specifically commanded Israel not to harass or invade the Ammonites or Moabites (see [Deuteronomy 2:9](/deuteronomy/2-9 "Deuteronomy 2:9 - Do Not Harass Moab") and [Deuteronomy 2:19](/deuteronomy/2-19 "Deuteronomy 2:19 - Do Not Harass Ammon")), a command Israel respected. The Ammonite king's claim was therefore a deliberate fabrication or a profound misunderstanding, used to justify his aggressive intentions.

**What was the significance of the "Arnon," "Jabbok," and "Jordan" rivers in this claim?**

Answer: These rivers were crucial geographical markers delineating the Transjordan region, a strategically important area east of the Jordan River. The Arnon River formed a significant natural boundary, historically separating Moab from the Amorites to the north, and later, the tribal territories of Reuben and Gad. The Jabbok River, further north, served as a boundary between Ammon and the Amorites, and subsequently, the northern extent of Gad's territory. The Jordan River formed the western boundary of this entire region. By naming these specific rivers, the Ammonite king was claiming a vast and vital swath of land that encompassed the territories of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, which Israel had settled. This specificity underscored the scale of his demand and the perceived grievance, even though his claim to the land was baseless.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The territorial dispute in Judges 11:13, rooted in false claims and human ambition, finds its ultimate resolution and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Ammonite king sought to reclaim a physical land, Christ offers an eternal inheritance, a spiritual "land" that cannot be taken away or disputed. The Old Testament narrative of Israel's promised land foreshadows the greater spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, who is the true heir of all things (e.g., [Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - Christ, Heir of All Things")). Just as the Ammonite king's claim was based on a lie, humanity's claim to self-sufficiency and independence from God is a fundamental deception. Christ, however, is the Truth (John 14:6), who exposes all false claims and establishes a kingdom founded on righteousness and justice. The "peace" demanded by the Ammonite king was conditional and elusive, but Christ is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who brings true and lasting peace between God and humanity through His atoning sacrifice (e.g., [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God Through Christ"), [Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciling All Things Through Christ")). He reclaims what was lost due to sin, not through military conquest, but through redemptive love, ushering believers into a spiritual inheritance that is incorruptible and undefiled (e.g., [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Incorruptible Inheritance")). In Christ, the ultimate "land" is not a geographical territory, but a new creation and a reconciled relationship with God, where all true claims are validated and all false ones are rendered powerless.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 32:22

And he rose up that night, and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons, and passed over the ford Jabbok.

Numbers 21:24

And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon [was] strong.

Numbers 21:26

For Heshbon [was] the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon.

Deuteronomy 2:37

Only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, [nor] unto any place of the river Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto whatsoever the LORD our God forbad us.

Proverbs 19:9

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall perish.

Proverbs 19:5

¶ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and [he that] speaketh lies shall not escape.

Deuteronomy 3:16

And unto the Reubenites and unto the Gadites I gave from Gilead even unto the river Arnon half the valley, and the border even unto the river Jabbok, [which is] the border of the children of Ammon;