Judges 12

Judges 12:4

Smote Ephraim] In a Wood, whence that place seemes to be called the Wood of Ephraim, from that slaughter of the Ephraimites. Where afterwards Absolom was slaine, and his armie, 2 Sam. XVII. 6. Ephraim having in truth no Wood, or Land, or portion of inheritance on that side of Jordan East-ward.

Because they said] The Ephraimites said; the Gileadites are fugitives, mungrels, the refuse of both Tribes. Or, the Gileadites being got between the Ephraimites and Manassites; said to the Ephraimites, ye are but the fugitives of Ephraim.

Judges 12:5

Took the Passages] As the Ephraimites were to return back from Gilead, West-ward.

Judges 12:6

Shibboleth] Which signifies the streame of a river, or foard; a proper word for the present place and purpose.