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Now why have you come up today to fight me?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> So when I realized you weren’t coming, I risked my life and went to battle without you, and the LORD gave me victory over the Ammonites. So why have you now come to fight me?” <a href="/esv/judges/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/bsb/judges/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When 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?” <a href="/kjv/judges/12.htm">King James Bible</a> And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? <a href="/nkjv/judges/12.htm">New King James Version</a> So when I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the people of Ammon; and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/nasb_/judges/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When I saw that you were no deliverer, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the sons of Ammon, and the LORD handed them over to me. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/nasb/judges/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220When I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the sons of Ammon, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And when I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the sons of Ammon, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day, to fight against me?” <a href="/lsb/judges/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And I saw that you would not save me, so I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the sons of Ammon, and Yahweh gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/amp/judges/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So when I saw that you were not coming to help me, I took my life in my hands and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD handed them over to me. So why have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/csb/judges/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When I saw that you weren’t going to deliver me, I took my life in my own hands and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD handed them over to me. Why then have you come today to fight against me? ” <a href="/hcsb/judges/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When I saw that you weren&#8217t going to deliver me, I took my life in my own hands and crossed over to the Ammonites, and the LORD handed them over to me. Why then have you come today to fight against me?&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> And when I saw that ye saved me not, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and Jehovah delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? <a href="/cev/judges/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So when we realized you weren't coming, we risked our lives and attacked the Ammonites. And the LORD let us defeat them. There's no reason for you to come here today to attack me." <a href="/erv/judges/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> And when I saw that ye saved me not, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me? <a href="/gwt/judges/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When I saw that you would not rescue me, I risked my life and went to fight the people of Ammon. The LORD handed them over to me. So why did you come to fight against me today?" <a href="/gnt/judges/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> When I saw that you were not going to, I risked my life and crossed the border to fight them, and the LORD gave me victory over them. So why are you coming up to fight me now?" <a href="/isv/judges/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> When I saw that you wouldn't be delivering me, I took my own life in my hands, crossed over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my control. So why have you come here today to fight me?" <a href="/msb/judges/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When 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?? <a href="/net/judges/12.htm">NET Bible</a> When I saw that you were not going to help, I risked my life and advanced against the Ammonites, and the LORD handed them over to me. Why have you come up to fight with me today?" <a href="/nheb/judges/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> When I saw that you did not save me, I put my life in my own hands, and passed over against the people of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day, to fight against me?" <a href="/wbt/judges/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And when I saw that ye delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: why then have ye come up to me this day, to fight against me? <a href="/web/judges/12.htm">World English Bible</a> When I saw that you didn’t save me, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and Yahweh delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me today, to fight against me?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I see that you are not a savior, and I put my life in my hand, and pass over to the sons of Ammon, and YHWH gives them into my hand—and why have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” <a href="/ylt/judges/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I see that thou art not a saviour, and I put my life in my hand, and pass over unto the Bene-Ammon, and Jehovah giveth them into my hand -- and why have ye come up unto me this day to fight against me?' <a href="/slt/judges/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I shall see that thou savest not, and I shall put my soul in my hand, and I shall pass over to the sons of Ammon, and Jehovah will give them into my hand: and wherefore came ye up to me this day to war against me?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And when I saw this, I put my life in my own hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the Lord delivered them into my hands. What have I deserved, that you should rise up to fight against me? <a href="/cpdv/judges/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And discerning this, I put my life in my own hands, and I crossed to the sons of Ammon, and the Lord delivered them into my hands. What am I guilty of, that you would rise up in battle against me?” <a href="/nabre/judges/12.htm">New American Bible</a> When I saw that you were not coming to save me, I took my life in my own hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD delivered them into my power. Why, then, should you come up against me this day to fight with me?” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When I saw that you would not deliver me, I took my life in my hand, and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day, to fight against me?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when I saw that there was no one to deliver me, I risked my life, and crossed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hands; now why have you come up against me this day, to fight with me? <a href="/hpbt/judges/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when I saw there was none who saved me, I put my life into my hand and I crossed over to the sons of Amon, and LORD JEHOVAH delivered them into my hands, and now why have you come up against me today that you would fight with me?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And when I saw that ye saved me not, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand; wherefore then are ye come up unto me this day, to fight against me?' <a href="/sep/judges/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And I saw that thou wert no helper, and I put my life in my hand, and passed on to the sons of Ammon; and the Lord delivered them into my hand: and wherefore are ye come up against me this day to fight with me? <a href="/parallel/judges/12-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjzBiIYY2Dc?start=3801" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/judges/12.htm">Jephthah Defeats Ephraim</a> …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. 3<a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: wā·’er·’eh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">When I saw</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nə·ḵā (Adv:: 2ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">you would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3467.htm" title="3467: mō·šīʿ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- To deliver. A primitive root; properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e. to be safe; causatively, to free or succor.">save me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: wā·’ā·śî·māh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">I risked</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: ḇə·ḵap·pî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: wā·’e‘·bə·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">and crossed over</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">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> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">and the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: way·yit·tə·nêm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">delivered them</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: bə·yā·ḏî (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">into my hand.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lā·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why then</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ă·lî·ṯem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">have you come</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">today</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lə·hil·lā·ḥem (Prep-l:: V-Nifal-Inf) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">to fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/bî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">against me?”</a> 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.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/judges/11-12.htm">Judges 11:12-28</a> 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 ... <a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a> He took his life in his hands when he struck down the Philistine, and the LORD worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced, so why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?” <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21</a> When the woman came to Saul and saw how distraught he was, she said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice. I took my life in my hands and did as you told me. <a href="/1_samuel/17-34.htm">1 Samuel 17:34-37</a> David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, / I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. / Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a> Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and for the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight.” <a href="/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4</a> If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” <a href="/2_kings/19-10.htm">2 Kings 19:10</a> “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-12.htm">2 Chronicles 20:12</a> Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” <a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Psalm 18:17</a> He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. <a href="/psalms/22-4.htm">Psalm 22:4-5</a> In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. / They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed. <a href="/psalms/44-6.htm">Psalm 44:6-7</a> For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame. <a href="/isaiah/37-10.htm">Isaiah 37:10</a> “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. <a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5</a> This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/matthew/16-25.htm">Matthew 16:25</a> For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And when I saw that you delivered me not, I put my life in my hands, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivered them into my hand: why then are you come up to me this day, to fight against me?put<a href="/judges/9-17.htm">Judges 9:17</a> (For my father fought for you, and adventured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:<a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a> For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?<a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm">1 Samuel 28:21</a> And the woman came unto Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest unto me.wherefore<a href="/judges/11-27.htm">Judges 11:27</a> Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.<a href="/2_chronicles/13-12.htm">2 Chronicles 13:12</a> And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Help</a> <a href="/judges/9-17.htm">Life</a> <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/judges/12-2.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/11-27.htm">Today</a> <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/joshua/5-6.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/12-12.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-10.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Deliver</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Delivered</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/judges/13-1.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-12.htm">Help</a> <a href="/judges/13-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/judges/18-13.htm">Passed</a> <a href="/judges/13-5.htm">Save</a> <a href="/judges/21-3.htm">Today</a> <a href="/judges/15-18.htm">Victory</a> <a href="/judges/13-18.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/judges/13-23.htm">Wouldn't</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 12</div>1. <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">The Ephraimites, quarrelling with Jephthah, are slain by the Gileadites</a> 7. <a href="/judges/12-7.htm">Jephthah dies</a> 8. <a href="/judges/12-8.htm">Ibzan, who had thirty sons, and thirty daughters</a> 11. <a href="/judges/12-11.htm">and Elon</a> 13. <a href="/judges/12-13.htm">and Abdon, who had forty sons, and thirty nephews, judge Israel</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When I saw that you would not save me This phrase reflects a moment of realization and disappointment. Jephthah, the speaker, acknowledges the lack of support from his fellow Israelites, specifically the Ephraimites. This highlights the recurring theme in Judges of Israel's disunity and internal strife. The context is set during a time when tribal alliances were fragile, and leaders often acted independently. This phrase also underscores the human tendency to rely on others for deliverance, contrasting with the biblical emphasis on divine intervention.I risked my life and crossed over to the Ammonites Jephthah's decision to confront the Ammonites alone demonstrates his courage and leadership. The phrase "risked my life" indicates the personal danger and sacrifice involved. Geographically, the Ammonites were located east of the Jordan River, in present-day Jordan. This crossing signifies a bold move into enemy territory, reflecting the high stakes of ancient warfare. Historically, the Ammonites were frequent adversaries of Israel, and this conflict is part of a larger narrative of territorial disputes in the region.and the LORD delivered them into my hand This statement attributes the victory to divine intervention, a common theme in the Book of Judges. It emphasizes that despite human efforts, it is ultimately God who grants success. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God delivers His people when they are faithful. The phrase also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant, even when Israel is unfaithful. It echoes other instances in Scripture where God delivers His people, such as the Exodus from Egypt.Why then have you come today to fight against me? Jephthah's question reveals the tension and conflict within Israel. The Ephraimites' confrontation with Jephthah after his victory suggests jealousy and a desire for recognition. This internal conflict is a recurring issue in Judges, where tribal rivalries often undermine unity. The question also highlights the irony of Israelite infighting when external threats are present. It serves as a critique of the lack of solidarity among God's people, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a> A judge of Israel, known for his leadership and military prowess. He was the son of Gilead and a former outcast due to his mother's status as a prostitute. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a> A group of people who were enemies of Israel. They were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with the Israelites. 3. <a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a> The region where Jephthah was from, located east of the Jordan River. It was a significant area during the time of the Judges. 4. <a href="/topical/e/ephraimites.htm">Ephraimites</a> A tribe of Israel that confronted Jephthah after his victory over the Ammonites, accusing him of not calling them to battle. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a> The God of Israel, who granted Jephthah victory over the Ammonites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_deliverance.htm">Trust in God's Deliverance</a> Jephthah's reliance on God for victory serves as a reminder to trust in God's power and timing, even when others do not support us. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_adversity.htm">Courage in Adversity</a> Jephthah's willingness to "take his life in his hands" demonstrates the courage required to step out in faith, especially when facing overwhelming odds. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a> The confrontation with the Ephraimites teaches the importance of addressing misunderstandings and conflicts directly and with clarity. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a> Jephthah's account illustrates how God can use unlikely leaders to accomplish His purposes, encouraging us to be open to God's calling regardless of our past. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_and_responsibility.htm">Accountability and Responsibility</a> Jephthah's actions show the importance of taking responsibility for one's decisions and actions, especially in leadership roles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 12</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'cross_is_foolishness'_mean.htm">What is the Lord's oracle?</a> <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> <a href="/q/how_does_ruth_fit_deut._23_3's_exclusion.htm">Deuteronomy 23:3 - How can the permanent exclusion of Ammonites and Moabites align with the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman in David's lineage?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_prayers_go_unanswered.htm">Why does Psalm 34:17-18 promise God hears and delivers the righteous but seem to conflict with other passages describing unanswered prayers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/judges/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) I put my life in my hands.--Rather, in the hollow of my hand (caph). (See for the phrase, <a href="/psalms/119-109.htm" title="My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget your law.">Psalm 119:109</a>; <a href="/job/13-14.htm" title="Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?">Job 13:14</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/20-5.htm" title="And David said to Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at even.">1Samuel 20:5</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/28-21.htm" title="And the woman came to Saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, and said to him, Behold, your handmaid has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.">1Samuel 28:21</a>.) It expresses extreme peril.The Lord delivered them into my hand.--Here the word for "hand" is yad. Here, as he had done in arguing with the king of the Ammonites (<a href="/context/judges/11-21.htm" title="And the LORD God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they smote them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.">Judges 11:21-24</a>), Jephthah appeals to the decision of Jehovah, as proving that he had done rightly. . . . <a href="/commentaries/judges/12-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When I saw וָֽאֶרְאֶ֞ה (wā·’er·’eh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you would not אֵינְךָ֣ (’ê·nə·ḵā) Adverb | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle deliver me, מוֹשִׁ֗יע‪‬‪‬‪‬ (mō·wō·šî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3467.htm">Strong's 3467: </a> To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor I risked וָאָשִׂ֨ימָה (wā·’ā·śî·māh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set my life נַפְשִׁ֤י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion and crossed over וָֽאֶעְבְּרָה֙ (wā·’e‘·bə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the Ammonites, בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and the LORD יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel delivered them וַיִּתְּנֵ֥ם (way·yit·tə·nêm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set into my hand. בְּיָדִ֑י (bə·yā·ḏî) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand Why then וְלָמָ֞ה (wə·lā·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what have you come עֲלִיתֶ֥ם (‘ă·lî·ṯem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively today הַיּ֥וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day to fight לְהִלָּ֥חֶם (lə·hil·lā·ḥem) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle against me?” בִּֽי׃ (bî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/12-3.htm">Judges 12:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/12-3.htm">OT History: Judges 12:3 When I saw that you didn't save (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 12:4" /></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>