Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Judges 11:11
Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.
11. The second half of the verse comes awkwardly after the announcement of Jephthah’s promotion; and as it stands his words must refer to Jdg 11:9. But would he repeat them to give additional solemnity to the agreement? He would be more likely to make the elders repeat their promise before Jehovah. On the other hand 11b would come in most suitably after Jdg 11:31. Accepting the terms offered by the sheikhs (11a), Jephthah makes his vow ( Jdg 11:30-31) before Jehovah, i.e. before the altar or pillar in the sanctuary or high-place of Mizpah ( Jdg 11:11 b), and then sets out to attack the Ammonites and defeats them ( Jdg 11:32-33). We must suppose that the original form of the narrative has been disturbed by the insertion of Jdg 11:12-28. For Mizpah see on Jdg 10:17.
The section Jdg 11:12-28 purports to give an account of Jephthah’s negotiations with the king of Ammon. First comes a formal protest against the Ammonite invasion with a reply ( Jdg 11:12-13): then the real subject of dispute follows the occupation of the territory between the Arnon and the Jabbok. After Jdg 11:15 the Ammonites drop out to reappear in Jdg 11:27-28, and the Moabites, who were the people really concerned with this district, enter the discussion. An appeal is made to past history as recorded in JE’s narrative, Num 20:14-18; Num 21:21-24. At the period of the Israelite invasion the disputed territory was in the hands of the Amorites, from whom Israel won it by conquest ( Jdg 11:22); and in it Israel settled down ( Jdg 11:26). The argument, then, is aimed at the Moabites, not the Ammonites; the deity referred to in Jdg 11:24 is Moabite, and so are the cities in Jdg 11:26. In fact the whole passage has only a superficial connexion at the beginning and end with Jephthah’s campaign; it looks like an insertion made at some period when Israel wished to put forward a claim to the district, and to judge from the dependence of the passage upon JE’s narrative in Num., this period was later than the 8th century b.c. The territory in question changed masters frequently; Moabites and Amorites, Moabites and Israelites, held it in succession; see Num 21:26 , 2Sa 8:2; Moabite Stone lines 5 ff., Isa 15:2 ff., Jer 48:1 ff. The alternative course is to suppose that we have here a combination of two narratives of two campaigns, one against Ammon and the other against Moab; the above explanation, however, seems to involve fewer difficulties.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Jephthah uttered all his words before the Lord in Mizpeh – This phrase designates the presence of the tabernacle, or the ark, or of the high priest with Urim and Thummim Jdg 20:26; Jdg 21:2; Jos 18:8; 1Sa 21:7. The high priest waited upon Jephthah with the ephod, and possibly the ark, at his own house (see Jdg 20:18 here). A trace of Jephthahs claim to unite all Israel under his dominion is found in Jdg 12:2, and breathes through his whole message to the king of the Ammonites. See Jdg 11:12, Jdg 11:15, Jdg 11:23, Jdg 11:27.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 11. Jepthah went with the elders] The elders had chosen him for their head; but, to be valid, this choice must be confirmed by the people; therefore, it is said, the people made him head. But even this did not complete the business; God must be brought in as a party to this transaction; and therefore Jephthah uttered all his words before the Lord – the terms made with the elders and the people on which he had accepted the command of the army; and, being sure of the Divine approbation, he entered on the work with confidence.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Jephthah uttered all his words, objectively so called; i.e. all that was spoken, not only by him, but also by the elders of Gilead concerning him, and concerning this whole transaction, and the conditions of it; or, all his matters, the whole business.
Before the Lord, i.e. before the public congregation, wherewith God was usually and then especially present: see Exo 20:24; Deu 6:25; Mat 18:10. Or, before the altar, which possibly they did erect upon this special occasion, by Gods permission. Or, in Gods presence, calling him to be present, as a witness and judge between them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Then Jephthah went with the elders of Israel,…. From the land of Tob into the land of Gilead, his native country:
and the people made him head and captain over them; ratified and confirmed what the elders had promised, and by a general unanimous vote appointed him both to be the captain of their forces, and to be the chief ruler and governor of them. And this they did, though he was the son of an harlot; and according to the law in De 23:2, such an one was not to be a civil magistrate; but this was a case of necessity, and in which, no doubt, they were directed by the Lord, who could dispense with his own law: besides, they had come to such an agreement before they had pitched on any particular person, that who should begin to fight with the children of Ammon should be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead so that they were obliged to it by their vote and decree, when they assembled at Mizpeh, where it is probable they consulted the Lord, and acted under his direction, Jud 10:17 and where this was confirmed, as seems from the following clause:
and Jephthah uttered all his words before the Lord in Mizpeh; where the congregation of Israel were assembled, and in which the Shechinah, or divine Majesty, dwelt, as is observed by Jarchi and Kimchi, and not Mizpeh in Jos 11:3, as the latter says, but this was on the other side Jordan, in the land of Gilead; however, as it was a solemn meeting, the Lord was there, and, as in his presence, Jephthah rehearsed all that passed between him and the elders of Gilead; and, no doubt, in prayer to God, desired he would signify his approbation and ratification of their agreement, and would give him success in his undertakings against the children of Ammon.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, “ and the people (i.e., the inhabitants of Gilead) made him head and captain, and Jephthah spoke all his words before Jehovah at Mizpeh: ” i.e., he repeated in a solemn assembly of the people, before God at Mizpeh, the conditions and obligations under which he would accept the honour conferred upon him. “ Before Jehovah ” does not necessarily presuppose the presence of the ark at Mizpeh; nor can we possibly assume this, since the war was resolved upon primarily by the eastern tribes alone, and they had no ark at all. It merely affirms that Jephthah performed this act, looking up to God, the omnipresent head of Israel. Still less do the words warrant the assumption that there was an altar in Mizpeh, and that sacrifices were offered to confirm the treaty, of which there is not the slightest indication in the text. “’Before Jehovah’ implies nothing more than that Jephthah confirmed all his words by an oath” ( Hengstenberg, Diss. ii. pp. 35, 36).
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
(11) The people made him head and captain.The people ratified the promise of the elders, and solemnly inaugurated him as both the civil and military leader of the Trans-jordanic tribes.
Uttered all his words.It probably means that he took some oath as to the condition of his government.
Before the Lord in Mizpeh.Some have supposed that this must mean that the oath was taken before the Tabernacle or Ark, or Urim and Thummim, because the phrase has this meaning elsewhere (Exo. 34:34; Jos. 18:8; and infra, Jdg. 20:26; Jdg. 21:2);and consequently that the scene of this covenant must be the Western Mizpeh, in Benjamin (Jos. 18:26; 1Ma. 3:46, for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel). There are, indeed, no limits to the possible irregularities of these disturbed times, during which the priests seem to have sunk into the completest insignificance. The Ark may therefore have been transferred for a time to Mizpeh, in Benjamin (Jdg. 20:1), as tradition says. But if that Mizpeh had been meant, it would certainly have been specified, since the Mizpeh of our present narrative (Jdg. 10:17) is in Gilead. Nor is it at all likely that the High Priest would have carried the sacred Urim into the disturbed and threatened Eastern districts. Before Jehovah probably means nothing more than by some solemn religious utterance or ceremony; and Mizpeh in Gilead had its own sacred associations (Gen. 31:48-49).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
11. The people made him head and captain The elders made the choice, and the people confirmed it by a public election. The distinction between head and captain, if any, is that between civil and military leader and chief. The people chose him to be not only their leader in this war with Ammon, but their judge and ruler after the war was over.
Jephthah uttered all his words Publicly stated the terms and conditions on which he accepted his new position, and the vows and oaths by which both he and the people bound themselves to be governed.
Before the Lord Not before the ark, for that was at Shiloh; but by a solemn appeal to Jehovah as witness of the vows they all took upon themselves. This whole transaction was done as if all realized that they were in the very presence of Jehovah. On Mizpeh see note, Jdg 10:17.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘ Then Jephthah went with the elders of Israel, and the people made him head and commander-in-chief over them, and Jephthah spoke all his words before Yahweh in Mizpah.’
Satisfied with their oath Jephthah went with them, and no doubt took his men with him, promising them due reward. They would form his spearhead attack. Then he was appointed head and commander-in-chief by acclamation of the people and in the presence of Yahweh by an oath. This was done at Mizpah where the Gileadite forces were gathered, somewhat fearful at the thought of the approaching enemy (Jdg 10:17). ‘Before Yahweh.’ It may well be that the Ark had been brought there to lead them into battle as in Jdg 20:27 (compare also 1Sa 4:3-6; Jos 6:6-7; Num 10:35-36). Or the oath may have been made at some recognised holy place.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Jdg 11:11. Jephthah uttered all his words before the Lord It is evident from these words, that Jephthah was a man of true religion, and had a serious regard for God; since, though the people had done all that was necessary on their part, he would undertake nothing without God’s approbation; a remark which will be of use when we consider the performance of his vow. Indeed, the embassy which he sent to the king of Ammon, Jdg 11:12 serves to prove that he was no less just than pious.
REFLECTIONS.Many days had now passed during which Jephthah suffered an uncomfortable exile; but the fame of his courage being noised, in their distress from the children of Ammon, the men of Gilead bethought them of Jephthah. Hereupon,
1. They send him an honourable embassage to invite him to take the command of their armies. They were collected, but they wanted a head, and such a one as he had shewn himself, a man of conduct and courage; they therefore urge him to give them no denial. Note; The providences which are, to appearance, our greatest misfortunes, are often necessary to fit us for the work for which God designs us.
2. Jephthah, at first, upbraids them with their ill usage of him. It should seem that his brethren were in the embassy, or that the elders of the city had connived at the violence shewn him. As it must appear, that it was not respect for him, but regard to themselves, that produced the invitation, he might justly refuse to go. Note; In distress of soul, men will have recourse to those ministers and people of God whom before they insulted.
3. They acknowledge their wrong dealing, and entreat him to forgive and forget it, and to come with them to lead their army; and, as the best recompence they can make, offer to elect him captain-general of their tribe. Note; (1.) The least we can do when we have injured any one is to beg his pardon. (2.) We should never despise or trample on any man; for we know not how much we may need him before we die.
4. Too generous to retain resentment, though just, he consents to assist them in their distress; but first solemnly questions them concerning their offer, Whether they would really make him their ruler if the Lord blessed them with success? They confirm what they had said with the most positive assurances, for the truth of which they appeal to God; on this, therefore, he accompanies them to Mizpeh. Note; (1.) In all that we take in hand, we must acknowledge God’s blessing. (2.) Christ, who has fought for us, must rule in and over us. (3.) No injuries should make us implacable; we must forgive, as we hope to be forgiven.
5. The whole is solemnly recognized in Mizpeh between Jephthah and the assembly. He then lays the matter before the Lord, praying for direction and success in the arduous enterprise. Note; (1.) That undertaking is likely to end well which is begun with fervent prayer. (2.) In our agreements, it is well to be explicit and solemn, that afterwards there may be no room to retract.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Jdg 11:11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.
Ver. 11. Then Jephthah went. ] He not only forgave, but forgot all former unkindnesses, burying them all in the love of his country. So did Camillus among the Romans, Themistocles among the Athenians, &c.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
with. Some codices, with three early printed editions, read “unto”.
before the LORD = in the presence of Jehovah.
in Mizpeh. Compare Jdg 10:17.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
head: Jdg 11:8
uttered: 1Sa 23:9-12, 1Ki 3:7-9, 2Co 3:5, Jam 1:5, Jam 1:17
Jephthah uttered: That is, upon his elevation, he immediately retired to his devotion, and in prayer spread the whole matter before God, both his choice to the office, and his execution of the office, as one that had his eye ever toward the Lord, and would do nothing without him; that leaned not to his own understanding or courage, but depended on the Almighty God, and his favour. This is an ensample worthy of universal imitation; in All Our Ways, whether great or apparently subordinate, let us acknowledge God and seek his direction. So shall we make our way prosperous, and obtain that peace which passeth all understanding. Jephthah opened his campaign with prayer.
before: Jdg 10:17, Jdg 20:1, 1Sa 10:17, 1Sa 11:15
Mizpeh: This Mizpeh was east of Jordan in the mountains of Gilead – Gen 31:49,and hence called Mizpeh of Gilead – Jdg 11:29,to distinguish it from another place of the same name, west of Jordan, in the tribe of Judah. Jos 15:38
Reciprocal: Num 30:2 – vow a vow Jos 13:26 – Ramathmizpeh Jdg 10:18 – he shall be Jdg 11:34 – Mizpeh 1Sa 8:21 – he rehearsed 2Sa 5:3 – before 1Ch 11:3 – before