Judges 11:33

KJV

And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he smote {H5221} them from Aroer {H6177}, even till thou come {H935} to Minnith {H4511}, even twenty {H6242} cities {H5892}, and unto the plain {H58} of the vineyards {H3754}{H64}, with a very {H3966} great {H1419} slaughter {H4347}. Thus the children {H1121} of Ammon {H5983} were subdued {H3665} before {H6440} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He killed them from 'Aro'er until you reach Minnit, twenty cities, all the way to Avel-K'ramim; it was a massacre. So the people of 'Amon were defeated before the people of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

With a great blow he devastated twenty cities from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel-keramim. So the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And he smote them from Aroer until thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto Abel-cheramim, with a very great slaughter. So the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 11:33 chronicles the comprehensive and geographically sweeping victory of Jephthah and the Israelite forces over the Ammonites. This verse serves as the climactic declaration of a divinely empowered military campaign, detailing the overwhelming defeat inflicted upon the Ammonite forces through a "very great slaughter," leading to their complete subjugation and the long-awaited deliverance of Israel from their persistent oppression.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 11:33 stands as the triumphant culmination of Jephthah's military offensive against the Ammonites. It immediately follows the controversial and tragic vow Jephthah made to the Lord in [Judges 11:30-31](/judges/11-30-31 "Judges 11:30-31 - Jephthah's Vow") and the crucial moment when [the Spirit of the Lord came upon him](/judges/11-29 "Judges 11:29 - The Spirit of the Lord Empowers Jephthah") prior to his departure for battle. The preceding narrative, spanning [Judges 11:1-28](/judges/11-1-28 "Judges 11:1-28 - Jephthah's Background and Diplomatic Efforts"), meticulously lays out Jephthah's marginalized origins, his reluctant call to leadership by the elders of Gilead, and his extensive, yet ultimately futile, diplomatic negotiations with the Ammonite king. Therefore, this decisive victory is presented as the direct fulfillment of God's promise to grant deliverance to Israel, validating Jephthah's role as a judge despite the profound personal cost of his vow, the tragic implications of which are vividly described in the subsequent verses of [Judges 11:34-40](/judges/11-34-40 "Judges 11:34-40 - Jephthah's Tragic Fulfillment of His Vow").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The era of the Judges (approximately 12th-11th centuries BC) was a turbulent period for Israel, characterized by a recurrent cycle: Israel's apostasy, divine judgment through foreign oppression, the people's cry for help, and God raising up a "judge" (a charismatic military leader) to deliver them. The Ammonites, a Transjordanian people group descended from Lot ([Genesis 19:38](/genesis/19-38 "Genesis 19:38 - Origin of the Ammonites")), were perennial adversaries of Israel, frequently encroaching upon and oppressing Israelite territories east of the Jordan River. Their long-standing claim to Gilead, explicitly stated by their king in [Judges 11:13](/judges/11-13 "Judges 11:13 - Ammonite Claim to Gilead"), was historically unfounded, as Jephthah's detailed historical rebuttal demonstrates. The specific geographical markers mentioned—Aroer, Minnith, and the plain of the vineyards—pinpoint the extensive reach of this conflict within the strategically vital Transjordanian region. The description of a "very great slaughter" accurately reflects the brutal and often total nature of ancient Near Eastern warfare, where decisive victories aimed to utterly incapacitate the enemy and prevent future aggression.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 11:33 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes central to the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their periods of spiritual decline and idolatry. Despite Israel's eighteen years of oppression by the Ammonites ([Judges 10:8](/judges/10-8 "Judges 10:8 - Ammonite Oppression of Israel")), God intervened decisively. Secondly, the **Sovereignty of God** is profoundly evident, as He is the ultimate source of victory, empowering Jephthah and granting success not based on Israel's merit but on His redemptive purposes. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Aggression and Oppression**, as the Ammonites face divine judgment for their unprovoked hostility against God's chosen nation. Lastly, it exemplifies the **Role of the Judge** as a divinely appointed, albeit often flawed, deliverer who brings temporary salvation and respite to Israel, echoing the recurring pattern established in [Judges 2:16-19](/judges/2-16-19 "Judges 2:16-19 - The Cycle of Apostasy and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** This verb (H5221) is a primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In military contexts, as here, it signifies a decisive blow, a forceful striking down, or a comprehensive defeat. Its use in Judges 11:33 emphasizes the overwhelming force and effectiveness of the Israelite offensive, indicating a devastating and complete rout of the Ammonite forces rather than a mere skirmish. It frequently carries the connotation of a divinely enabled victory.
* **Slaughter (Hebrew, _makkâh'_):** Derived from the same root as _nâkâh'_, this noun (H4347) denotes a "blow," "wound," or "defeat," often specifically a "carnage" or "massacre" in battle. The preceding intensifiers, "very great" (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd gâdôwl'_), amplify its meaning, stressing the immense scale of casualties inflicted upon the Ammonites. This signifies their utter destruction as a fighting force, rendering them incapable of further resistance or threat.
* **Subdued (Hebrew, _kânaʻ'_):** This primitive root (H3665) properly means "to bend the knee," and by extension, "to humiliate" or "vanquish." In this context, it signifies that the Ammonites were thoroughly defeated, their power broken, and they were brought into a state of complete submission or subjugation. It implies a lasting cessation of their threat to Israel, marking a decisive and enduring victory that established Israel's dominance in the region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter."**: This clause graphically depicts both the geographical breadth and the intense brutality of Jephthah's victory. "Aroer" was a significant city located on the Arnon River, traditionally marking the southern boundary of Israelite territory in Transjordan. "Minnith" was situated further north, and "the plain of the vineyards" (Abel-Keramim) likely refers to a fertile and economically important region in the vicinity of Minnith. The specific mention of "twenty cities" underscores the widespread nature of the campaign and the thoroughness of the Israelite conquest, indicating that the victory was not confined to a single battle but encompassed a broad territorial sweep. The concluding phrase "with a very great slaughter" emphasizes the overwhelming military superiority of Israel and the devastating casualties inflicted upon the Ammonites, ensuring their complete incapacitation.
* **"Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel."**: This concluding clause articulates the ultimate outcome and the profound theological significance of the battle. The Ammonites, who had for years oppressed the Israelites, were now definitively "subdued"—their military might shattered, their will to resist broken, and their threat neutralized. The phrase "before the children of Israel" is significant; it implies that this victory was a direct manifestation of God's power working through His people, validating His promise of deliverance and restoring Israel's security and sovereignty in the region. It is a declaration of God's justice and faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 11:33 employs several **literary devices** to convey the overwhelming magnitude and decisiveness of the Israelite victory. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "very great slaughter" and the sweeping geographical description, "from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, [even] twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards." This exaggeration serves not to provide a precise count but to underscore the totality and overwhelming nature of the defeat, emphasizing the decisiveness of God's intervention. **Metonymy** is present in the use of "the children of Ammon" and "the children of Israel," where "children" stands in for the entire nation or people group. This highlights the national scope of the conflict and its resolution, depicting a clash between two peoples rather than merely two armies. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **climax** within the narrative arc of Jephthah's military campaign, marking the point of ultimate triumph and the fulfillment of God's promised deliverance before the tragic personal consequences of Jephthah's vow are unveiled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 11:33 profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in the affairs of His people, fulfilling His covenant promises despite Israel's persistent unfaithfulness. It highlights the recurring biblical theme of divine deliverance, where God, in His mercy, raises up flawed human instruments to bring salvation to His people from their oppressors. This victory is not merely a military triumph but a powerful theological statement about God's righteous justice against those who oppress His chosen nation and His unwavering faithfulness to rescue His own. It serves as a potent reminder that God's power is supreme, capable of turning the tide against seemingly insurmountable odds and bringing about the complete subjugation of His enemies.

* [Deuteronomy 28:7](/deuteronomy/28-7 "The Lord Will Grant Victory Over Enemies")
* [Psalm 44:5](/psalm/44-5 "Through God We Push Down Our Foes")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 11:33 offers enduring lessons for believers today, reminding us that God remains sovereign over all circumstances, capable of delivering His people from any form of oppression—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. Just as He empowered Jephthah, a flawed leader with a challenging past, to achieve a decisive victory, God continues to use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes for His kingdom. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in our lives. It calls us to recognize that true and lasting victory comes not from our own strength, clever strategies, or perfect obedience, but from God's mighty hand working on our behalf. When we face spiritual battles, personal strongholds, or overwhelming challenges, we can find profound confidence in the God who subdues our enemies and grants us triumph, reminding us that He is eternally faithful to His promises to His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jephthah's victory, despite his personal flaws and tragic vow, encourage or challenge your understanding of God's willingness to use imperfect people for His purposes?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or in the spiritual battles you face do you need to trust God for a "very great slaughter" against oppressive forces or personal strongholds?**
* **How does the "subduing" of the Ammonites by God's power relate to Christ's definitive victory over sin, death, and the devil in your own life and for all of humanity?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Ammonites' defeat for Israel?**

Answer: The defeat of the Ammonites was profoundly significant for Israel, especially for the tribes east of the Jordan. For eighteen years, the Ammonites had been a persistent source of oppression, particularly against the Israelites residing in Gilead ([Judges 10:8](/judges/10-8 "Ammonite Oppression of Gilead")). This decisive victory, meticulously described in [Judges 11:33](/judges/11-33 "Jephthah's Victory Over Ammon"), effectively broke their military power, ended their long-standing oppression, and restored Israel's security and control over their divinely allotted land. More than a mere military achievement, it served as a tangible demonstration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, delivering them from their enemies and reaffirming His active presence among them, even during a period marked by spiritual decline and national disunity.

**Does this verse condone the violence described, or is there a deeper theological message?**

Answer: While Judges 11:33 vividly describes a violent military victory, it is crucial to interpret it within its ancient Near Eastern historical context and the broader theological narrative of the Book of Judges. The text is not presenting violence as a universal moral principle to be emulated, but rather reporting a specific historical event where God delivered His people through military means in a particular historical period. The deeper theological message centers on God's **justice** against those who oppress His covenant people and His **faithfulness** in delivering His chosen nation from those who seek to destroy them. It highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over nations and His commitment to His promises, even when His people are disobedient. The "slaughter" and "subduing" are presented as the divinely ordained outcome of the Ammonites' aggression against Israel, serving as a testament to God's power and righteous judgment against those who oppose His divine plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Judges 11:33 recounts a physical victory over a historical enemy, it powerfully points forward to the ultimate and spiritual triumph achieved by Jesus Christ. Jephthah, as one of Israel's judges, brought temporary deliverance to a specific people in a limited geographical area. This foreshadows the definitive and eternal salvation brought by Christ, who delivers not just a nation but all humanity from the bondage of sin and death. Just as the Ammonites were "subdued" before Israel, so too are the ultimate enemies of humanity—sin, death, and the devil—decisively subdued by Christ. His sacrificial death on the cross and triumphant resurrection constitute the "very great slaughter" of these spiritual foes, rendering them powerless over all who believe in Him ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). The victory won by Jephthah secured a physical land for Israel; the victory won by Christ secures an eternal inheritance and spiritual freedom for all who are "in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). He is the true and perfect deliverer, the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Ultimately, He is the King who will reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet, bringing about a final and complete subjugation of all opposing forces ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "Christ's Reign Until All Enemies Are Subdued")).

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

Ezekiel 27:17

Judah, and the land of Israel, they [were] thy merchants: they traded in thy market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.

Deuteronomy 2:36

From Aroer, which [is] by the brink of the river of Arnon, and [from] the city that [is] by the river, even unto Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us: the LORD our God delivered all unto us: