Seven times we read of Samson going down, not just geographically, but spiritually as well. Israel had been in the hand of the Philistines for 40 years when a son was announced to Manoah and his wife. That meant perhaps 20 more years until he came of age. Like our Lord, virtually nothing is known […]
Angel appearances in Judges: regarding the weak strong judge (6:11-24) and the strong weak judge (13:3-23). There’s that word “Again” again. “Again the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Jdg 13:1). This time—the final time in the book—it was into the hands of the Philistines that the Lord delivered His […]
God keeps good records, and takes note of some that others would pass by. All are important to Him. After the six-year leadership of Jephthah, three other judges are mentioned in succession. Ibzan judged for seven years, Elon for ten years, and Abdon for eight years. Apart from a few geographical markers and mention of […]
Do you speak Christian? It is its own language, you know! But now, what dialect do you use? The next-door neighbors to Gilead, across the Jordan, were “the men of Ephraim.” And they were miffed! “Why did you cross over to fight against the people of Ammon, and did not call us to go with […]
The debate still rages about the fate of Jephthah’s daughter, but it sure is a warning about vows. Jephthah was the result of an inappropriate relationship, “the son of a harlot” (Jdg 11:1). As such, the sons of his father’s wife “drove Jephthah out, and said to him, ‘You shall have no inheritance in our […]
One reason to cling to truths, promises, and blessings is that it was God who gave them to us. Jephthah and the elders of Gilead strike a deal. If he defeats the Ammonites, then they will recognize him as “head over all the inhabitants of Gilead” (Jdg 11:8). With this settled, Jephthah wisely tries diplomacy […]
After Jair’s death, the Scripture spotlight lingers on the land of Gilead. Who is this Jephthah? “Jair died…Then the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Jdg 10:5-6). Looking at a map of the land, you will see that at only one spot can rain-laden winds break through the central […]
How many unknown servants of God have been used by Him to change the course of history! History is an uneven recounting of the past. Hebrews 11, after cataloging great women and men of faith through the ages, adds, “And others…” (v 35). It hints at many who suffered greatly for the Lord, but we’ll […]