Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryJudges 11

Jephthah's PromotionThis section introduces Jephthah, the one chosen to lead Israel against the Ammonites. The leaders of Gilead had promised that whoever would fight for them would become their chief. Jephthah was recognized as a brave and skilled warrior, but he faced many challenges because of his background. God’s choice of Jephthah shows that God can use even those who have been rejected or looked down on by others.v. 1: Jephthah the Gileadite was known as a mighty man of valor. However, he was the son of a harlot, or “a strange woman.” Some believe his mother was a Gentile, while others say she was simply not his father’s wife or concubine . Although his parentage brought him shame, it was not his fault, and he worked hard to prove his worth. God accepts anyone who is willing to follow Him, no matter their background (Deuteronomy 23:2-3 ).

v. 2: Jephthah’s half-brothers forced him to leave home so he would not share in their father’s inheritance. They followed the strict rule of the law without considering Jephthah’s good qualities. If they had welcomed him, he could have been a great help and honor to their family. Like Joseph, Moses, and David, Jephthah was rejected by his own people before God called him to lead .

v. 3: After being driven away, Jephthah became the leader of a group of “vain men” who had lost everything and were seeking a new life. He did not rob or plunder, but survived by his skills and courage, sometimes fighting wild animals or making raids on enemy lands. God chose this outcast and exile to save Israel. By using Jephthah, God reminded Israel of their own unfaithfulness, but also showed His mercy when they truly repented .

Jephthah Called to Lead IsraelThis section describes how the leaders of Gilead, in a time of crisis, sought out Jephthah to become their commander. Although they had once rejected him, their need was so great that they humbled themselves and asked Jephthah for help. Jephthah responded wisely and humbly, making sure the people were sincere and that God would be honored in his new role. This shows the importance of both godly leadership and true repentance when seeking help.v. 4: The Ammonites invaded Israel, causing great distress. This event was likely the same as described earlier, when the Ammonites gathered and camped against Gilead (Judges 10:17 ). After many years since Jephthah had been expelled, the leaders realized they needed him and decided to bring him back with honor .

v. 5–6: The elders of Gilead went personally to find Jephthah and asked him to become their captain to fight the Ammonites (Judges 11:6 ). They knew they had no one else with his courage or experience. God had used Jephthah’s troubles to prepare him for this moment. Now, even though Israel had an army, they needed a true leader to guide them.

v. 7: Jephthah questioned the elders, saying, Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? . He reminded them of the wrongs they had done to him. Like Joseph with his brothers, Jephthah wanted them to recognize their past mistakes before accepting their offer. This also reflected how Israel had treated God—rejecting Him, but then asking for help in trouble.

v. 8: The elders insisted that they truly wanted Jephthah to be their leader now, to make up for their former mistreatment of him . This teaches us not to despise people who seem unimportant, because we may one day rely on them. It also encourages people who are mistreated to remain patient, because God can use their situation for good.

v. 9: Jephthah wisely asked for a clear agreement: If I come and the Lord

v. 10–11: The elders agreed right away, promising with an oath: The Lord

The War with the AmmonitesThis section explains how Jephthah, now chosen as Israel’s leader, tried to avoid war by negotiating with the king of the Ammonites. Jephthah wanted to solve the problem peacefully if possible, and he carefully explained Israel’s history and rights. He shows both wisdom and fairness, seeking justice instead of conflict. The Ammonite king, however, refused to listen, and war became unavoidable.v. 12: Jephthah sent messengers to the king of Ammon, asking, Why have you come to fight against me in my land? . Jephthah was willing to talk before fighting, showing that he valued peace and justice more than war. He wanted to understand the reason for the invasion and find a peaceful solution if possible.

v. 13: The king of Ammon answered, saying that Israel had taken away his land when they came from Egypt, and demanded it back . This claim was made to justify the attack, even though the Ammonites’ real goal was probably to steal and plunder. Sometimes people make up reasons to cover their true motives for doing wrong.

v. 14–15: Jephthah replied with a detailed answer, showing the Ammonites’ claim was false. Israel had not taken land from Ammon or Moab, but only from Sihon, king of the Amorites. The land belonged to the Amorites when Israel conquered it; Israel had obeyed God’s command not to attack Moab or Ammon (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19 ).

v. 16–18: Jephthah explained that when Israel left Egypt and was tired from traveling, they asked for permission to pass through Edom and Moab, but were refused. Instead of fighting, Israel went around their lands and did not cross their borders (Judges 11:16-18 ). Israel tried to avoid conflict and respected their neighbors’ rights.

v. 19–22: When Israel asked Sihon, king of the Amorites, for passage, he refused and attacked Israel. Israel defended themselves and, with God’s help, defeated Sihon and took his land, which included the area the Ammonites now claimed (Judges 11:19-22 ). Israel had a fair and just right to this land.

v. 23–24: Jephthah explained that God, the Lord

v. 25–26: Jephthah argued that for about 300 years, Israel had lived in these cities without any complaint from Moab or Ammon. Even Balak, the Moabite king, had not tried to reclaim the land (Judges 11:25-26 ). If the Ammonites had a right to it, they should have spoken up sooner.

v. 27: Jephthah concluded, I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me. The Lord

v. 28: The king of Ammon refused to listen to Jephthah’s message. His heart was hardened, so he ignored reason and justice, choosing to continue the fight . This shows that some people reject peace and wisdom, even when given every chance to do what is right.

Jephthah’s Vow and Victory over the Ammonites This section tells how the Spirit of the Lord

v. 30: Jephthah made a vow to the Lord

v. 31: Jephthah’s vow was serious. He said,“whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me…shall surely be the Lord

v. 32: Jephthah went to fight the Ammonites, trusting that God would help him. God gave him a great victory, and he defeated the Ammonites with the help of the Lord

v. 33: Jephthah struck them from Aroer to Minnith, covering twenty cities. The defeat was total, and Israel was delivered from their enemies.

v. 34: When Jephthah returned home, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet him with timbrels and dancing. He was heartbroken because she was the first to greet him, and now he remembered his vow.

v. 35: Jephthah tore his clothes and cried out, saying, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low!” He knew he could not break his vow to the Lord

v. 36: His daughter bravely answered that he should do as he promised, since the Lord

v. 37: She asked for two months to go into the mountains and mourn because she would never marry. This shows her sorrow and the seriousness of her father’s promise.

v. 38: Jephthah agreed. She and her friends went away for two months to mourn her situation.

v. 39: After two months, she returned, and Jephthah did as he had vowed. She never married. The story is a warning about making rash vows and the pain it can cause.

v. 40: From then on, the daughters of Israel remembered Jephthah’s daughter every year. They honored her for her obedience and faithfulness.