Judges 12:5

And the Gileadites took the passages of Jordan before the Ephraimites: and it was [so], that when those Ephraimites which were escaped said, Let me go over; that the men of Gilead said unto him, [Art] thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

And the Gileadites {H1568} took {H3920} the passages {H4569} of Jordan {H3383} before the Ephraimites {H669}: and it was so, that when those Ephraimites {H669} which were escaped {H6412} said {H559}, Let me go over {H5674}; that the men {H582} of Gilead {H1568} said {H559} unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite {H673}? If he said {H559}, Nay;

The men of Gil'ad cut off Efrayim from the crossings over the Yarden, and whenever anyone from Efrayim tried to escape and said, "Let me go across," the men of Gil'ad would ask him, "Are you from Efrayim?" and if he said, "No,"

The Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan leading to Ephraim, and whenever a fugitive from Ephraim would say, “Let me cross over,” the Gileadites would ask him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he answered, “No,”

And the Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And it was so, that, when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the men of Gilead said unto him, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;

Commentary

Context of Judges 12:5

Judges 12:5 is set during a turbulent period in Israel's history, following the leadership of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel. The verse describes a grim aftermath of a civil conflict between the Gileadites (Jephthah's people) and the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraimites, known for their pride and tendency to challenge other tribes (see also Judges 8:1), felt slighted because Jephthah did not call them to fight against the Ammonites. Their arrogant confrontation led to a full-scale battle where the Gileadites, under Jephthah, decisively defeated them. This verse focuses on the Gileadites' strategic move to prevent the scattered Ephraimite survivors from escaping back across the Jordan River into their own territory. The control of these river passages was crucial for trapping the retreating enemy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Pride and Strife: The Ephraimites' arrogance and readiness for internal conflict led directly to their devastating defeat and the desperate situation described here. This highlights the destructive nature of division within God's people.
  • Strategic Control and Pursuit: The Gileadites demonstrated shrewd military tactics by seizing the escape routes, ensuring no enemy combatants could flee. This indicates a determined effort to neutralize the threat posed by the Ephraimites.
  • Identity and Loyalty Test: The verse sets the stage for a unique method of identification. By challenging individuals with "Art thou an Ephraimite?", the Gileadites were attempting to discern allegiance and tribal identity, which, as the next verse reveals, would be confirmed by a phonetic test.
  • Brutality of Civil War: This passage starkly illustrates the tragic and often merciless nature of inter-tribal conflict, where fellow Israelites were pitted against one another, leading to significant loss of life and deep-seated animosity.

Linguistic Insights

While Judges 12:5 itself doesn't contain the famous phonetic test, it directly sets up the situation where such a test became necessary. The phrase "Art thou an Ephraimite? If he said, Nay;" indicates the initial verbal challenge. The subsequent verse introduces the unique phonetic difference in pronunciation between the Gileadites and Ephraimites, specifically concerning the "sh" sound (as in Shibboleth) versus an "s" sound (as in Sibboleth). This subtle linguistic variation became a brutal life-or-death identifier, underscoring the deep divisions and the desperation of the conflict. The Gileadites' method of identification was based on a common dialectal difference.

Practical Application

Though set in a time of ancient warfare, Judges 12:5 offers timeless lessons:

  • Beware of Pride and Division: The tragic fate of the Ephraimites serves as a powerful warning against arrogance and internal strife within any community, especially among believers. As Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
  • Discernment and Accountability: While the method was harsh, the need for discernment and accountability within a group remains. It reminds us to be aware of true intentions and allegiances, though always exercised with love and grace, unlike the violent context here.
  • Consequences of Actions: The verse powerfully demonstrates that actions have consequences. The Ephraimites' aggressive posturing led directly to their downfall, emphasizing the importance of wise and humble conduct.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 3:28 (5 votes)

    And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

  • Joshua 22:11 (3 votes)

    And the children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the borders of Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.

  • Joshua 2:7 (2 votes)

    And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.

  • Judges 7:24 (2 votes)

    And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Bethbarah and Jordan.