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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Judges 11:6 "Come," they said, "be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/11-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/07_Jdg_11_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 11:6 - Jephthah Delivers Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Come, they said, be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/judges/11-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/judges/11-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/judges/">Judges</a> > <a href="/judges/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/judges/11-5.htm" title="Judges 11:5">◄</a> Judges 11:6 <a href="/judges/11-7.htm" title="Judges 11:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/judges/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220Come,&#8221 they said, &#8220be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/judges/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/judges/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/judges/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/judges/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our commander, that we may fight against the people of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/judges/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/judges/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, &#8220Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/judges/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/judges/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief that we may fight against the sons of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/judges/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, so that we may fight against the Ammonites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/judges/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, “Come, be our commander, and let’s fight the Ammonites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/judges/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They said to him, &#8220Come, be our commander, and let&#8217s fight against the Ammonites.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/judges/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and they said unto Jephthah, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/judges/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Please come back to Gilead! If you lead our army, we will be able to fight off the Ammonites." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/judges/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and they said unto Jephthah, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/judges/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our commander so that we can wage war against Ammon."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/judges/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They told him, "Come and lead us, so that we can fight the Ammonites." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/judges/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They told him, "Come and be our commander so we can fight the Ammonites!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/judges/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Come,? they said, ?be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/judges/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They said, "Come, be our commander, so we can fight with the Ammonites."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/judges/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and they said to Jephthah, "Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the people of Ammon."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/judges/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they said to Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/judges/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/judges/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they say to Jephthah, “Come, and you have been for a captain to us, and we fight against the sons of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/judges/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they say unto Jephthah, 'Come, and thou hast been to us for captain, and we fight against the Bene-Ammon.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/judges/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will say to Jephthah, Come and be to us for leader, and we will war against the sons of Ammon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/judges/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they said to him: Come thou and be our prince, and fight against the children of Ammon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/judges/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they said to him, “Come and be our leader, and fight against the sons of Ammon.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/judges/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />“Come,” they said to Jephthah, “be our commander so that we can fight the Ammonites.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/judges/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our commander, so that we may fight with the Ammonites.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/judges/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they said to Jephthah, Come and be our leader, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/judges/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they said to Naphthakh: “Come be a Ruler to us and we shall fight with the sons of Amon!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/judges/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they said unto Jephthah: 'Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/judges/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they said to Jephthae, Come, and be our head, and we will fight with the sons of Ammon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/judges/11-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3391" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Jephthah Delivers Israel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>and made war with them, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lə·ḵāh (V-Qal-Imp-ms:: 3fs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Come,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3316.htm" title="3316: lə·yip̄·tāḥ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From pathach; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">“be</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">our</a> <a href="/hebrew/7101.htm" title="7101: lə·qā·ṣîn (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- A chief, ruler. From qatsah in the sense of determining; a magistrate or other leader.">commander,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">so that we can fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: biḇ·nê (Prep-b:: N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">against the Ammonites.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/5983.htm" title="5983: ‘am·mō·wn (N-proper-ms) -- A people living E. of the Jordan. From am; tribal, i.e. Inbred; Ammon, a son of Lot; also his posterity and their country."></a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Jephthah replied to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">1 Samuel 12:11</a></span><br />So the LORD sent Jerubbaal, Barak, Jephthah, and Samuel, and He delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, and you dwelt securely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/3-9.htm">Judges 3:9-10</a></span><br />But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. / The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/2-16.htm">Judges 2:16</a></span><br />Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of those who plundered them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Judges 10:18</a></span><br />And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-19.htm">1 Samuel 8:19-20</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We must have a king over us. / Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to judge us, to go out before us, and to fight our battles.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/10-19.htm">1 Samuel 10:19</a></span><br />But today you have rejected your God, who saves you from all your troubles and afflictions, and you have said to Him, ‘No, set a king over us.’ Now therefore present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/13-5.htm">2 Kings 13:5</a></span><br />So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped the power of the Arameans. Then the people of Israel lived in their own homes as they had before.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Nehemiah 9:27</a></span><br />So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/106-44.htm">Psalm 106:44-45</a></span><br />Nevertheless He heard their cry; He took note of their distress. / And He remembered His covenant with them, and relented by the abundance of His loving devotion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-20.htm">Acts 13:20-21</a></span><br />All this took about 450 years. After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. / Then the people asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">1 Samuel 11:1-11</a></span><br />Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and laid siege to Jabesh-gilead. All the men of Jabesh said to him, “Make a treaty with us, and we will serve you.” / But Nahash the Ammonite replied, “I will make a treaty with you on one condition, that I may put out everyone’s right eye and bring reproach upon all Israel.” / “Hold off for seven days,” replied the elders of Jabesh, “and let us send messengers throughout Israel. If there is no one to save us, we will surrender to you.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/9-16.htm">1 Samuel 9:16</a></span><br />“At this time tomorrow I will send you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you are to anoint him ruler over My people Israel; he will save them from the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked upon My people, because their cry has come to Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">2 Samuel 10:6-8</a></span><br />When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/12-5.htm">2 Chronicles 12:5-7</a></span><br />Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have forsaken Me; therefore, I have forsaken you into the hand of Shishak.’” / So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.” / When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they said to Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Bene-Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/4-7.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/judges/9-22.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/4-7.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/numbers/34-28.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/judges/11-5.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/11-8.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-8.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Bene-Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/judges/11-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/judges/11-7.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/11-11.htm">Leader</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-1.htm">The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-12.htm">The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-29.htm">Jephthah's vow</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-32.htm">His conquest of the Ammonites</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/judges/11-34.htm">He performs his vow on his daughter.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/judges/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/judges/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“Come,” they said,</b><br>This phrase indicates an invitation or a call to action. In the context of <a href="/judges/11.htm">Judges 11</a>, the leaders of Gilead are reaching out to Jephthah, who had been previously rejected and exiled. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses the rejected or unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to how David was chosen despite being the youngest and least likely among his brothers (<a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a>).<p><b>“be our commander,”</b><br>The request for Jephthah to be their commander highlights the desperation of the Gileadites. They needed a strong leader to guide them in battle. This mirrors other instances in the Bible where God raises leaders during times of crisis, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt (<a href="/exodus/3-10.htm">Exodus 3:10</a>). The term "commander" suggests a military role, emphasizing the need for strategic leadership and courage.<p><b>so that we can fight against the Ammonites.”</b><br>The Ammonites were a perennial enemy of Israel, often engaging in conflict over land and resources. Historically, the Ammonites were descendants of Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-38.htm">Genesis 19:38</a>), and their territory was located east of the Jordan River. This conflict is part of a larger narrative of Israel's struggle to maintain its God-given land against surrounding nations. The request to fight against the Ammonites also foreshadows the deliverance that God often provides through chosen leaders, a type of Christ who delivers His people from sin and oppression.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a></b><br>A mighty warrior and the son of Gilead, Jephthah was initially rejected by his family but later called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a></b><br>The region where Jephthah was from, located east of the Jordan River. It was a significant area for the tribes of Israel, particularly for the tribe of Manasseh.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a></b><br>A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and were known for their hostility towards Israel.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_gilead.htm">Elders of Gilead</a></b><br>The leaders of the region who sought out Jephthah to lead them in battle against the Ammonites, despite having previously rejected him.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_with_the_ammonites.htm">Conflict with the Ammonites</a></b><br>The ongoing struggle between Israel and the Ammonites, which forms the backdrop for Jephthah's rise to leadership.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god_uses_the_rejected.htm">God Uses the Rejected</a></b><br>Jephthah's account illustrates how God can use those who have been rejected by society for His purposes. Despite being cast out, Jephthah was chosen to lead and deliver Israel.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_humility.htm">Leadership and Humility</a></b><br>True leadership often requires humility and a willingness to serve those who may have wronged us. Jephthah's acceptance of the elders' request demonstrates this principle.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_adversity.htm">Faith in Adversity</a></b><br>Jephthah's faith in God during a time of national crisis is a reminder that our trust in God should remain steadfast, even when circumstances seem dire.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_forgiveness.htm">Reconciliation and Forgiveness</a></b><br>The elders' plea to Jephthah and his acceptance can be seen as an act of reconciliation, teaching us the importance of forgiveness and unity in the body of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_288,000_men_in_1_chron._27_1_realistic.htm">In 1 Chronicles 27:1, can Israel realistically have 24,000 men per monthly division, implying a total army of 288,000?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/judges_12_1-7__unity_or_conflict.htm">Judges 12:1-7 - How does the narrative align with or contradict earlier portrayals of tribal unity and cooperation in Judges?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_jephthah's_conflict_escalate.htm">Judges 12:1-3 - Why does Jephthah's conflict with the Ephraimites escalate so violently with little prior indication?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_didn't_god_stop_jephthah's_vow.htm">Why did God allow Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter in Judges 11 without stopping him?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Our captain.</span>--The word used is <span class= "ital">katzin </span>(<a href="/joshua/10-24.htm" title="And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet on the necks of them.">Joshua 10:24</a>; <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm" title="Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah.">Isaiah 1:10</a>; <a href="/isaiah/22-3.htm" title="All your rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in you are bound together, which have fled from far.">Isaiah 22:3</a>), which is specially a leader in time of war; but Jephthah demands something more--namely, to be their "head" (<span class= "ital">rosh</span>) in time of peace also.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/judges/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Our captain</span>. A military term, as in <a href="/joshua/10-24.htm">Joshua 10:24</a>. It is also used in <a href="/isaiah/1-10.htm">Isaiah 1:10</a> for the <span class="accented">rulers</span> of Sodom. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/judges/11-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“Come,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְכָ֕ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“be</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהָיִ֥יתָה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hā·yî·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our commander,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְקָצִ֑ין</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qā·ṣîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7101.htm">Strong's 7101: </a> </span><span class="str2">A magistrate, other leader</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so that we can fight</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against the Ammonites.”</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּבְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(biḇ·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/judges/11-6.htm">Judges 11:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/judges/11-6.htm">OT History: Judges 11:6 And they said to Jephthah Come (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/11-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 11:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 11:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/11-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 11:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 11:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>