Judges 12:2
Judges 12:2 in Multiple Translations
But Jephthah replied, “My people and I had a serious conflict with the Ammonites, and when I called, you did not save me out of their hands.
And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands.
And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye saved me not out of their hand.
And Jephthah said to them, I and my people were in danger, and the children of Ammon were very cruel to us, and when I sent for you, you gave me no help against them.
“I was a man with a great fight on my hands,” Jephthah replied. “I and my people were fighting the Ammonites. When I called on you for help, you didn't come and help save me from them.
And Iphtah said vnto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon, and when I called you, ye deliuered me not out of their handes.
And Jephthah saith unto them, 'A man of great strife I have been (I and my people) with the Bene-Ammon, and I call you, and ye have not saved me out of their hand,
Jephthah said to them, “I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, you didn’t save me out of their hand.
And Jephthah said to them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands.
And he answered them: I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon: and I called you to assist me, and you would not do it.
Jephthah replied, “The Ammon people-group were oppressing us greatly. When we were prepared to start to attack them, I requested you to come and help us, but you refused. My men and I defeated the Ammon people-group, but you did not help us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 12:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Judges 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
יִפְתָּח֙
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
אִ֣ישׁ
רִ֗יב
הָיִ֛יתִי
אֲנִ֛י
וְ/עַמִּ֥/י
וּ/בְנֵֽי
עַמּ֖וֹן
מְאֹ֑ד
וָ/אֶזְעַ֣ק
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
וְ/לֹֽא
הוֹשַׁעְתֶּ֥ם
אוֹתִ֖/י
מִ/יָּדָֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִפְתָּח֙
Yiphtâch
H3316
Jephthah
N-proper
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
רִ֗יב
rîyb
H7379
strife
N-cs
הָיִ֛יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲנִ֛י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
וְ/עַמִּ֥/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-mp
עַמּ֖וֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
Ammon
N-proper
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וָ/אֶזְעַ֣ק
zâʻaq
H2199
to cry out
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הוֹשַׁעְתֶּ֥ם
yâshaʻ
H3467
to save
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
אוֹתִ֖/י
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
מִ/יָּדָֽ/ם
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 12:2
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יִפְתָּח֙
Yiphtâch
H3316
"Jephthah"
N-proper
Jephthah was an Israelite judge who defeated the Ammonites, but also made a tragic vow that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. His name means 'he opens' and he's mentioned in the book of Judges as a hero of faith. Jephthah was the son of Gilead.
Definition: A Judge living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Jdg.11.1; son of: Gilead (H1568I) Also named: Iephthae (Ἰεφθάε "Jephthah" G2422) § Jephthah or Jiphtah = "he opens" 1) a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering 2) a city in Judah
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Jephthah, Jiphtah. See also: Joshua 15:43; Judges 11:14; 1 Samuel 12:11.
אֲלֵי/הֶ֔ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
רִ֗יב
rîyb
H7379
"strife"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to a dispute or quarrel between people, which can be a physical fight or a verbal argument. It is often used to describe a lawsuit or controversy, and appears in books like Deuteronomy and Job.
Definition: 1) strife, controversy, dispute 1a) strife, quarrel 1b) dispute, controversy, case at law
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading, strife, strive(-ing), suit. See also: Genesis 13:7; Proverbs 17:1; Psalms 18:44.
הָיִ֛יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
אֲנִ֛י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וְ/עַמִּ֥/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וּ/בְנֵֽי
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
עַמּ֖וֹן
ʻAmmôwn
H5983
"Ammon"
N-proper
Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.
Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.
מְאֹ֑ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וָ/אֶזְעַ֣ק
zâʻaq
H2199
"to cry out"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This verb means to cry out for help or announce something publicly, often in a loud voice, like a herald calling people together. It is used in the Bible to describe people crying out to God for aid. It can also mean to summon or assemble people.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, call for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call (to one's aid) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in need) 1b) (Niphal) to be assembled, be called together, be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to call, call out, call together, summon 1c2) to make a crying, proclaim 1c3) to have a proclamation made 1c4) to call out to, call out at Aramaic equivalent: ze.iq (זְעִ֑ק "to cry out" H2200)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: assemble, call (together), (make a) cry (out), come with such a company, gather (together), cause to be proclaimed. See also: Exodus 2:23; Nehemiah 9:28; Psalms 22:6.
אֶתְ/כֶ֔ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הוֹשַׁעְתֶּ֥ם
yâshaʻ
H3467
"to save"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2mp
Means to save or be delivered, used in the Bible to describe being freed from danger or trouble, like in battle or from moral struggles, as seen in the Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to save, be saved, be delivered 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be liberated, be saved, be delivered 1a2) to be saved (in battle), be victorious 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to save, deliver 1b2) to save from moral troubles 1b3) to give victory to
Usage: Occurs in 198 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, avenging, defend, deliver(-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save(-iour), get victory. See also: Exodus 2:17; Psalms 55:17; Psalms 3:8.
אוֹתִ֖/י
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מִ/יָּדָֽ/ם
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Judges 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Judges 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:2
- Barnes' Notes on Judges 12:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:2
- Sermons on Judges 12:2
Context — Jephthah Defeats Ephraim
1Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you inside!”
2But Jephthah replied, “My people and I had a serious conflict with the Ammonites, and when I called, you did not save me out of their hands.
3When I saw that you would not save me, I risked my life and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come today to fight against me?” 4Jephthah then gathered all the men of Gilead and fought against Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck them down because the Ephraimites had said, “You Gileadites are fugitives in Ephraim, living in the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:12–33 | Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, saying, “What do you have against me that you have come to fight against my land?” 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.” Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites to tell him, “This is what Jephthah says: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or of the Ammonites. But when Israel came up out of Egypt, they traveled through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. They also sent messengers to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel stayed in Kadesh. Then Israel traveled through the wilderness and bypassed the lands of Edom and Moab. They came to the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, since the Arnon was its border. And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, who ruled in Heshbon, and said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land into our own place.’ But Sihon would not trust Israel to pass through his territory. So he gathered all his people, encamped in Jahaz, and fought with Israel. Then the LORD, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, who defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites who inhabited that country, seizing all the land from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. Now since the LORD, the God of Israel, has driven out the Amorites from before His people Israel, should you now possess it? Do you not possess whatever your god Chemosh grants you? So also, we possess whatever the LORD our God has granted us. Are you now so much better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel or fight against them? For three hundred years Israel has lived in Heshbon, Aroer, and their villages, as well as all the cities along the banks of the Arnon. Why did you not take them back during that time? I have not sinned against you, but you have done me wrong by waging war against me. May the LORD, the Judge, decide today between the Israelites and the Ammonites.” But the king of the Ammonites paid no heed to the message Jephthah sent him. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, then through Mizpah of Gilead. And from there he advanced against the Ammonites. Jephthah made this vow to the LORD: “If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the LORD delivered them into his hand. 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. |
Judges 12:2 Summary
This verse is about Jephthah explaining to the men of Ephraim why he didn't wait for them to join him in battle against the Ammonites. He told them that he had called for their help, but they didn't come, so he had to trust God to deliver him. This shows us that even when we face challenges or conflicts, we can trust God to be with us and help us, just like He did for Jephthah (Judges 12:3) and for the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14. We can learn to trust God and have faith that He will deliver us, even when things seem uncertain or scary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the conflict between Jephthah and the Ammonites about?
The Bible does not provide specific details about the conflict, but it is clear that Jephthah and his people were in a serious struggle with the Ammonites, as seen in Judges 12:2, and Jephthah had to take action to protect his people, similar to the way God protected the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-14.
Why did Jephthah not wait for the men of Ephraim to join him in the battle?
Jephthah explained to the men of Ephraim that he had called for their help, but they did not come to his aid, as stated in Judges 12:2, so he had to take matters into his own hands and trust in God for deliverance, just like David did in 1 Samuel 30:6.
Is Jephthah's response to the men of Ephraim an example of pride or self-reliance?
While Jephthah's response may seem defensive, it is more about explaining his actions and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Judges 12:3, where he says 'the LORD delivered them into my hand', similar to the way God helped Gideon in Judges 7:2-7.
What can we learn from Jephthah's experience about trusting God in times of conflict?
Jephthah's story teaches us that even in the midst of conflict and uncertainty, we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, just like the Psalmist did in Psalm 23:4, and that He will deliver us, as promised in Isaiah 43:2.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am facing conflict or struggle, and how can I trust God to deliver me?
- How do I respond when others criticize or question my actions, and what can I learn from Jephthah's response to the men of Ephraim?
- In what ways can I, like Jephthah, risk trusting God and taking action in faith, even when the outcome is uncertain?
- What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how can I apply that to my own life and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Judges 12:2
And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at a great strife with the children of Ammon,.... As to the cause of the war, or the reason of his going over to fight the children of Ammon, it was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Judges 12:2
And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. When I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Judges 12:2
Hence it appears that he craved their assistance, which they denied, though that be not elsewhere expressed.
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 12:2
Judges 12:2 And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands.Ver. 2. And Jephthah said unto them.] Apologies are lawful, and in stone cases needful: the primitive Christians, as Tertullian, Athenagoras, and others, offered their apologies to the Roman emperors to very good purpose. And when I called you.] Which yet they denied. Proud and spiteful people make little of a lie. See Judges 11:13.
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 12:2
(2) I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon.—Literally, I was a man of strife, I and my people, and the children of Ammon exceedingly. We have a similar phrase in Jeremiah 15:10. Jephthah adopts the tone of a recognised chief, as he had done to the Ammonites. And when I called you, ye delivered me not.—Ephraim was not immediately affected by the Ammonite oppression, any more than it had been by the Midianite. The effect of those raids was felt chiefly by Manasseh and by the Eastern tribes. Hence the Ephraimites held themselves selfishly aloof. That we are not told of this previous appeal of the Gileadites to Ephraim illustrates the compression of the narrative. We cannot tell whether it took place before or after the summons of the Gileadites to Jephthah.
Cambridge Bible on Judges 12:2
2. were at great strife with the children of Ammon] lit. ‘I was at strife, I and my people, and the children of A. exceedingly.’ Supply afflicted me in the last clause, with LXX. cod. A, Luc. etc., Syro-Hex. The verb (‘innûni) was accidentally omitted, probably owing to its resemblance to ‘Ammon. Jephthah identifies himself with his people, as in Judges 11:12. when I called you] The summons is not mentioned in ch. 11, but it may be implied in Judges 11:29; see note.
Barnes' Notes on Judges 12:2
When I called you ... - This circumstance is not related in the main narrative. It is likely to have occurred when Jephthah was first chosen leader by the Gileadites, and when Ephraim would probably ignore his pretensions.
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 12:2
2. When I called you — Jephthah speaks in the name and as representative of the eastern tribes. These tribes were the ones specially afflicted by Ammon, and when they could no longer endure the oppression they resolved on fight.
Sermons on Judges 12:2
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Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers |