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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 11:8 They answered Jephthah, "This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/judges/11-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/07_Jdg_11_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Judges 11:8 - Jephthah Delivers Israel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They answered Jephthah, This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead." /><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'; 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come with us to fight the Ammonites, and you will be head over all of us who live in Gilead.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/judges/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Because we need you,” the elders replied. “If you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you ruler over all the people of Gilead.” <a href="/esv/judges/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/bsb/judges/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.” <a href="/kjv/judges/11.htm">King James Bible</a> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. <a href="/nkjv/judges/11.htm">New King James Version</a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is why we have turned again to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the people of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/nasb_/judges/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “For this reason we have now returned to you, that you may go with us and fight the sons of Ammon, and become our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/nasb/judges/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, &#8220For this reason we have now returned to you, that you may go with us and fight with the sons of Ammon and become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/judges/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “For this reason we have now returned to you, that you may go with us and fight with the sons of Ammon and become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/lsb/judges/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “For this reason we have now returned to you, that you may go with us and fight with the sons of Ammon and become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/amp/judges/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “This is why we have turned to you now: that you may go with us and fight the Ammonites and become head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/csb/judges/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> They answered Jephthah, “That’s true. But now we turn to you. Come with us, fight the Ammonites, and you will become leader of all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/hcsb/judges/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> They answered Jephthah, &#8220Since that&#8217s true, we now turn to you. Come with us, fight the Ammonites, and you will become leader of all the inhabitants of Gilead.&#8221 <a href="/asv/judges/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore are we turned again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon; and thou shalt be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. <a href="/cev/judges/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "But we do want you to come back," the leaders said. "And if you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you the ruler of Gilead." <a href="/erv/judges/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore are we turned again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon, and thou shalt be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. <a href="/gwt/judges/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Gilead's leaders answered Jephthah, "The reason we've turned to you now is that we want you to go with us and wage war against Ammon. You will be the ruler of everyone who lives in Gilead." <a href="/gnt/judges/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> They said to Jephthah, "We are turning to you now because we want you to go with us and fight the Ammonites and lead all the people of Gilead." <a href="/isv/judges/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> So the elders of Gilead told Jephthah, "Well, we're coming back to you now so you can accompany us, fight the Ammonites, and become the head of all the inhabitants of Gilead." <a href="/msb/judges/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> They answered Jephthah, ?This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.? <a href="/net/judges/11.htm">NET Bible</a> The leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "That may be true, but now we pledge to you our loyalty. Come with us and fight with the Ammonites. Then you will become the leader of all who live in Gilead." <a href="/nheb/judges/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "Not so. We have turned to you now, that you may go with us, and fight with the people of Ammon; and you shall be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." <a href="/wbt/judges/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. <a href="/web/judges/11.htm">World English Bible</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “Therefore we have turned again to you now, that you may go with us and fight with the children of Ammon. You will be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/judges/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And [the] elderly of Gilead say to Jephthah, “Therefore, now, we have turned back to you; and you have gone with us, and have fought against the sons of Ammon, and you have been for head to us—to all the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/ylt/judges/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and the elders of Gilead say unto Jephthah, 'Therefore, now, we have turned back unto thee; and thou hast gone with us, and fought against the Bene-Ammon, and thou hast been to us for head -- to all the inhabitants of Gilead.' <a href="/slt/judges/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the old men of Gilead will say to Jephthah, Therefore now we turned back to thee, and come thou with us and we will war against the sons of Ammon, and be to us for head to all dwelling in Gilead.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/judges/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the princes of Galaad said to Jephte: For this cause we are now come to thee, that thou mayst go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be head over all the inhabitants of Galaad. <a href="/cpdv/judges/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the leaders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “But it is due to this necessity that we have approached you now, so that you may set out with us, and fight against the sons of Ammon, and be commander over all who live in Gilead.” <a href="/nabre/judges/11.htm">New American Bible</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “This is the reason we have come back to you now: if you go with us to fight against the Ammonites, you shall be the leader of all of the inhabitants of Gilead.” <a href="/nrsvce/judges/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “Nevertheless, we have now turned back to you, so that you may go with us and fight with the Ammonites, and become head over us, over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/judges/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, That is why we have come to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the children of Ammon and be the leader over all the inhabitants of Gilead. <a href="/hpbt/judges/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And The Elders of Gelad said to Naphthakh: “Because of this, now, behold, we are coming to you. Go with us and we shall fight with the sons of Amon, and be Ruler to all the dwellers of Gelad”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/judges/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah: 'Therefore are we returned to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon, and thou shalt be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.' <a href="/sep/judges/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the elders of Galaad said to Jephthae, Therefore have we now turned to thee, that thou shouldest go with us, and fight against the sons of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Galaad. <a href="/parallel/judges/11-8.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=3410" 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/11.htm">Jephthah Delivers Israel</a> …7Jephthah 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?” 8<a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">They</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: ḡil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites."></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.">answered</a> <a href="/hebrew/3316.htm" title="3316: yip̄·tāḥ (N-proper-ms) -- From pathach; he will open; Jiphtach, an Israelite; also a place in Palestine.">Jephthah,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: lā·ḵên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">“This is why</a> <a href="/hebrew/6258.htm" title="6258: ‘at·tāh (Adv) -- Now. From eth; at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive.">we now</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: šaḇ·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">turn</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: wə·hā·laḵ·tā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">that you may go</a> <a href="/hebrew/5973.htm" title="5973: ‘im·mā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- From amam; adverb or preposition, with, in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix.">with us,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: wə·nil·ḥam·tā (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-2ms) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">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.).">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/1961.htm" title="1961: wə·hā·yî·ṯā (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.">and become</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: lə·rōš (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">leader</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵōl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">over all</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">of us</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šə·ḇê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">who live</a> <a href="/hebrew/1568.htm" title="1568: ḡil·‘āḏ (N-proper-fs) -- Probably from Gal'ed; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites.">in Gilead.”</a> 9But Jephthah asked them, “If you take me back to fight the Ammonites and the LORD gives them to me, will I really be your leader?”…<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="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32</a> And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, <a href="/1_samuel/12-11.htm">1 Samuel 12:11</a> 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. <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Judges 10:18</a> 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.” <a href="/1_samuel/11-1.htm">1 Samuel 11:1-11</a> 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.” ... <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">2 Samuel 10:6-8</a> 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. <a href="/1_kings/12-20.htm">1 Kings 12:20</a> When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David. <a href="/2_kings/13-5.htm">2 Kings 13:5</a> 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. <a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Nehemiah 9:27</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/19-20.htm">Isaiah 19:20</a> It will be a sign and a witness to the LORD of Hosts in the land of Egypt. When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, He will send them a savior and defender to rescue them. <a href="/acts/7-35.htm">Acts 7:35</a> This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. <a href="/romans/11-2.htm">Romans 11:2-5</a> God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? / And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-29</a> But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</a> But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. / That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7-9</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. / And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross. / Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">1 Peter 2:4-5</a> As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, / you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to you now, that you may go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.the elders<a href="/exodus/8-8.htm">Exodus 8:8,28</a> Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Intreat the LORD, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the LORD… <a href="/exodus/9-28.htm">Exodus 9:28</a> Intreat the LORD (for it is enough) that there be no more mighty thunderings and hail; and I will let you go, and ye shall stay no longer.<a href="/exodus/10-17.htm">Exodus 10:17</a> Now therefore forgive, I pray thee, my sin only this once, and intreat the LORD your God, that he may take away from me this death only.we turn<a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Judges 10:18</a> And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/11-6.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-6.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/11-6.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/11-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/10-18.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/judges/11-7.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/9-33.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/judges/4-9.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/judges/5-22.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/judges/10-16.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/8-33.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/judges/8-20.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Ammon</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Ammonites</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Children</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/judges/11-21.htm">Inhabitants</a> <a href="/judges/11-9.htm">Jephthah</a> <a href="/judges/16-6.htm">Mayest</a> <a href="/judges/15-7.htm">Nevertheless</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-14.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/judges/14-17.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/judges/14-8.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Judges 11</div>1. <a href="/judges/11-1.htm">The covenant between Jephthah and the Gileadites, that he should lead</a> 12. <a href="/judges/11-12.htm">The treaty of peace between him and the Ammonites is in vain</a> 29. <a href="/judges/11-29.htm">Jephthah's vow</a> 32. <a href="/judges/11-32.htm">His conquest of the Ammonites</a> 34. <a href="/judges/11-34.htm">He performs his vow on his daughter.</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/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>They answered Jephthah The elders of Gilead are responding to Jephthah, a man they had previously rejected. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God uses the rejected or unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, similar to Joseph in <a href="/genesis/37-28.htm">Genesis 37:28</a> and David in <a href="/1_samuel/16-11.htm">1 Samuel 16:11-13</a>. Jephthah's background as the son of a prostitute (<a href="/judges/11.htm">Judges 11:1</a>) highlights God's ability to use anyone for His plans, regardless of their past or social status.“This is why we now turn to you” The elders' decision to turn to Jephthah signifies a moment of desperation and necessity. It underscores the idea that God often allows circumstances to bring people to a point where they must rely on Him or His chosen instruments. This mirrors the Israelites' repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance throughout the Book of Judges.that you may go with us The elders are seeking Jephthah's leadership and military prowess. This request indicates their recognition of his capabilities as a warrior, which were likely honed during his time as a leader of a band of outlaws (<a href="/judges/11-3.htm">Judges 11:3</a>). It also reflects the biblical principle that God equips those He calls, as seen in the lives of Moses (<a href="/exodus/4-10.htm">Exodus 4:10-12</a>) and Gideon (<a href="/judges/6-14.htm">Judges 6:14-16</a>).fight the Ammonites The Ammonites were descendants of Lot (<a href="/genesis/19-38.htm">Genesis 19:38</a>) and had a long history of conflict with Israel. Their aggression against Israel in this context is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites' struggle to maintain their God-given land amidst surrounding hostile nations. This conflict also serves as a backdrop for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness to His covenant people.and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.” The offer to make Jephthah leader over Gilead is significant, as it represents a reversal of his previous rejection. This echoes the biblical theme of exaltation following humility, as seen in the life of Christ (<a href="/philippians/2-5.htm">Philippians 2:5-11</a>). Jephthah's leadership role can be seen as a type of Christ, who was also rejected by His own (<a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11</a>) but became the ultimate leader and Savior. The geographical reference to Gilead, a region east of the Jordan River, highlights the tribal divisions and territorial challenges faced by Israel during this period.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jephthah.htm">Jephthah</a> A mighty warrior and the son of Gilead, Jephthah was initially rejected by his family due to his mother's status as a prostitute. Despite this, he was later sought after by the elders of Gilead to lead them against the Ammonites. 2. <a href="/topical/e/elders_of_gilead.htm">Elders of Gilead</a> The leaders of the region of Gilead who approached Jephthah to lead them in battle against the Ammonites. Their request highlights their desperation and need for a capable leader. 3. <a href="/topical/a/ammonites.htm">Ammonites</a> A neighboring nation and frequent adversary of Israel. The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often engaged in conflicts with the Israelites over territorial disputes. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gilead.htm">Gilead</a> A region east of the Jordan River, known for its balm and rugged terrain. It was the homeland of Jephthah and the place where the elders sought his leadership. 5. <a href="/topical/c/conflict_with_the_ammonites.htm">Conflict with the Ammonites</a> The ongoing struggle between the Israelites and the Ammonites over land and dominance, which sets the stage for Jephthah's leadership and the events that follow.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god_uses_the_rejected.htm">God Uses the Rejected</a> Jephthah's account reminds us that God often chooses those whom society rejects to fulfill His purposes. Our past does not disqualify us from being used by God. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_in_desperation.htm">Leadership in Desperation</a> The elders' plea to Jephthah shows how desperation can lead to seeking leadership. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance before reaching a point of desperation. <a href="/topical/r/reconciliation_and_restoration.htm">Reconciliation and Restoration</a> The elders' approach to Jephthah is a form of reconciliation. We should be open to restoring relationships and recognizing the value in those we may have previously overlooked. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a> Jephthah's inclusion in the "faith hall of fame" in <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a> underscores the importance of faith and obedience to God's call, regardless of our circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_leadership.htm">The Cost of Leadership</a> Jephthah's account also warns of the potential costs and responsibilities that come with leadership. We must be prepared for the challenges that leadership entails.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_judges_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Judges 11</a> <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> <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/why_gouge_eyes_as_submission_in_1_sam_11.htm">In 1 Samuel 11:1-2, how could gouging out the right eye of every Israelite realistically have served as a sign of submission without stronger resistance or outside intervention?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_jephthah_in_biblical_history.htm">Who is Jephthah in biblical history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/judges/11-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>They זִקְנֵ֨י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> Old answered וַיֹּאמְרוּ֩ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say Jephthah, יִפְתָּ֗ח (yip̄·tāḥ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3316.htm">Strong's 3316: </a> Jephthah -- 'He opens', a Gileadite, also a city of Judah “This is why לָכֵן֙ (lā·ḵên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus we now עַתָּה֙ (‘at·tāh) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6258.htm">Strong's 6258: </a> At this time turn שַׁ֣בְנוּ (šaḇ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again to you, אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to that you may go וְהָלַכְתָּ֣ (wə·hā·laḵ·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk with us, עִמָּ֔נוּ (‘im·mā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5973.htm">Strong's 5973: </a> With, equally with fight וְנִלְחַמְתָּ֖ (wə·nil·ḥam·tā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle the Ammonites, בִּבְנֵ֣י (biḇ·nê) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son and become וְהָיִ֤יתָ (wə·hā·yî·ṯā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be leader לְרֹ֔אשׁ (lə·rōš) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head over all לְכֹ֖ל (lə·ḵōl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of us לָּ֙נוּ֙ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> who live יֹשְׁבֵ֥י (yō·šə·ḇê) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry in Gilead.” גִלְעָֽד׃ (ḡil·‘āḏ) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1568.htm">Strong's 1568: </a> Gilead -- a region in Palestine, also the name of several Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/judges/11-8.htm">Judges 11:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/judges/11-8.htm">OT History: Judges 11:8 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah (Jd Judg. Jdg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/judges/11-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Judges 11:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Judges 11:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/judges/11-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Judges 11:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Judges 11:9" /></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>