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 […]
The blood of Gideon’s sons cried out for justice. God knows how to deal with those who bully His people. Three years passed (Jdg 9:26). A false peace had settled over the land. Abimelech, supposed to be a deliverer, is nothing but a tyrant. The echo of Jotham’s words had long since died in the […]
Read More… from July 18, 2023 — Abimelech Crowned — With A Millstone
Some problems come upon us; others we bring on ourselves. Here, Gideon did this to himself! Gideon’s newfound wealth and notoriety resulted in the lifestyle of a king, if not the official title. Like an eastern potentate, “Gideon had seventy sons who were his own offspring, for he had many wives” (Jdg 8:30). But that […]
Read More… from July 17, 2023 — The Tipping Point For Trouble
If we can see it, Gideon’s identity crisis will teach us who we are in God’s eyes, and that’s enough. You remember how much the Lord did to keep Israel from assuming they had won the victory? He selected the man who was “the least in my father’s house” and whose clan was “the weakest […]
Succoth and Peniel, famous for their connection with Jacob, fail to help in the time of need. Although the enemy was driven from the field, the battle was far from over. Partial victories in our lives come back to haunt us. So not only did the original tribes of Naphtali, Asher, and Manasseh pursue the […]