Jephthah’s Defense - Judges 11:15

In the book of Judges we learned how, ”Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land? And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably. And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon”, and in chapter eleven and verse fifteen of Judges, we learn how Jephthah said, “Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon” where we read,

And said unto him, Thus says Jephthah, Israel took not away the land of Moab, 

nor the land of the children of Ammon:

The verse reads, “And said unto him, Thus says Jephthah, Israel took not away the land of Moab, …” The writer began with the words, “and said unto him” which means “and uttered, declared and proclaimed to him, the king of Ammon”, “thus says Jephthah” or ”therefore utters, declares and proclaims Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’ and was a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering”, “Israel took not away” which means “Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob did not lay hold of, seize, acquire or remove” “the land of Moab” or “the region and territory belonging to Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter”.  The writer shared how the envoys of “Jephthah” told the “king of Ammon” that “Israel” did not seize the territory that belonged to “Moab”.  

The verse goes on to say, “… nor the land of the children of Ammon:” The writer continued with the words, “nor the land” which means “no and not in any way the region and territory” “of the children of Ammon” or “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. The writer shared how the envoys of “Jephthah” told the royal ruler of “Ammon” that “Israel” did not seize the territory belonging to “Ammon” either.

When we think through the words in this verse, we see how “Jephthah” sent his message to the “king of Ammon” through his envoys once again, and this time he told him that “Israel” did not seize the territory of “Moab” or “Ammon”. We can tell there will be much more to this dispute, but for now, let us be mindful as this story unfolds that God is in charge. Even though the people of “Israel” abandoned Him again, He was still working on a solution to provide and protect them. God loves people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, and granted everlasting life. He also will give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us live in wisdom before those who have disputes and ideas that are different from us. (See John 3:16:16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how Jephthah shares about, “when Israel came up from Egypt”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”

 

Jephthah Sent Messengers Again - Judges 11:14

In the book of Judges we learned how, ”Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land? And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably”, and in chapter eleven and verse fourteen of Judges, we learn how, “Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king” where we read,

And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:

The verse reads, “And Jephthah sent messengers again …” The writer began with the words, “and Jephthah” or Jiphtah whose name means “he opens” and was a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering” “sent messengers again” or ”dispatched and assigned envoys and delegates another time”.  The writer shared how “Jephthah” dispatched envoys another time. 

The verse continues, “… unto the king of the children of Ammon:” The writer added the words, “unto the king” which means “to the royal ruler and leader” “of the children of Ammon” or “pertaining to the royal ruler of the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means “tribal” and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. The writer shared how “Jephthah’s” envoys were dispatched to the royal ruler of “Ammon”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” responded to the royal ruler of “Ammon’s” answer to his question by deploying his envoys once again. We shall see what they say to the “king of Ammon” in our next verse, but for now, let us be mindful of the fact that God who is omniscient or all-knowing was aware of all these things. He knows us as well. He knows we need a “Savior and Lord” to rescue us from the penalty for sins which is death,(See Romans 3:23; 6:23) and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and teach us to be wise when opposition rises up against us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; James 1:5)

Next time we learn how Jephthah says, “Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”

The King of Ammon Answered - Judges 11:13

In the book of Judges we learned how, ”Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land?”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirteen of Judges, we learn how, “the king of the children of Ammon answered” where we read,

And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, 

Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

The verse reads, “And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, …” The writer began with the words, “and the king of the children of Ammon” which means “and the royal ruler and leader of the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and were a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot though Ben-ammi” “answered unto the messengers of Jephthah” or ”responded to the delegates and envoys belonging to Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens” with the following words. The writer shared how royal ruler of the “Ammonites” responded to the envoys dispatched to him by “Jephthah” with the following words. 

The verse goes on to say, “… because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, …” The writer continued with the words, “because Israel” which means “since and on account that Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “took away my land” or “fetched, lay hold of and seized my, the royal ruler of Ammon’s region and territory”, “when they came up out of Egypt” which means “at the time and moment they, the people of Israel, ascended and arose from Egypt whose name means land of the Copts and was a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows”, “from Arnon” or “separate and apart from Arnon whose name means ‘rushing stream’ and was a river and surrounding valley in south Palestine which forms the border between Moab and the Amorites” “even unto Jabbok” which means “also and indeed to Jabbok whose name means ‘emptying’ and was a stream which intersects the mountain range of Gilead, and falls into the Jordan on the east about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea”. The writer shared how the “king of Ammon” told the envoys dispatched by “Jephthah” that the were attacking “Gilead” on account that “Israel” seized their territory from the “Arnon River to the Jabbok” at the time they ascended from “Egypt”. 

Finally the verse reads, “… and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.” The writer concluded this verse with the words, “and unto Jordan” which means “and toward the Jordan whose name means ‘descender’ and was a the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approximately 200 miles (320 km)”: “now therefore restore those lands again” or “at this time wherefore, then and on this account return and give back the areas previously spoken about” “peaceably” which means “completely and with quietness and tranquility”. The writer ended this verse by sharing how the royal ruler of “Ammon” also accused “Israel” of taking their “land” to the “Jordan River”, and he told “Jephthah’s” envoys to return their property to them in a complete, quiet and tranquil manner. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover the response the “king of Ammon” gave to “Jephthah’s” question concerning the reason that he attacked “Gilead”. The “king” said “Israel” seized his property from the Arnon River to the Jabbok and to the Jordan. The “king” wanted the property restored to him in a peaceful manner. We shall see how “Japhthah” responds in our next verse, but for now let us consider the difference between what the people of “Gilead” thought and what the royal ruler of “Ammon” was thinking. We should keep in mind that there was another who had thoughts concerning what happened, Jehovah God. God knows the plans and intents of our hearts, (See Hebrews 4:12) and when He sent His Son Jesus into this world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us the wisdom to understand how to respond to those who think differently from us and God. (See John 3:16; James 1:5)

Next time we learn how, “Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”

What Have You to Do with Me? - Judges 11:12

In the book of Judges we learned how, “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”, and in chapter eleven and verse twelve of Judges, we learn how, “Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon” where we read,

And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying,

 What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land?

The verse reads, “And Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon, saying, …” The writer began with the words, “and Jephthah” whose name means ‘he opens’ and was was a son of Gilead and and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites” “sent messengers unto the king” or ”dispatched and assigned envoys to the royal ruler and leader” “of the children of Ammon” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ who were a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot though Ben-ammi”, “saying” or “uttering, declaring, proclaiming and asking” the following question. The writer shared how “Jephthah” dispatched envoys to the royal ruler and leader of the “Ammonites” and asked the following question.

The verse continues, “What have you to do with me, that you are come against me to fight in my land?” The writer added the words, “what have you to do with me” which means “what business do you, king of Ammon, desire to perform and produce with me, Jephthah”, “that you are come against me” or “that you, Jephthah, have entered and risen in opposition to me, Jephthah” “to fight against me” which means “to wage battle and war in opposition to me, Jephthah” “in my land” or “within my, Jephthah’s, territory and region”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” questioned whatsoever the royal ruler of “Ammon” had to do with him that caused him to rise up in battle and war in opposition to him and his territory. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah’s” first act after making declarations before Jehovah God was to send out a delegation to talk to the royal ruler and leader of “Ammon” concerning his attack against him and his land. Perhaps diplomatic efforts could curtail this aggression, however, as we shall see, it did not have that intended end. God knows when we can use diplomatic efforts and when diplomatic attempts fail, and when we put our faith and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of everyone and rose from the grave after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and equip us with His wisdom when we engage with those who oppose us. (See John 3:16; James 1:5)

Next time we learn how, “the king of the children of Ammon answered”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”

Jephthah Went with the Elders - Judges 11:11

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephthah asked, “Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are you come unto me now when you are in distress? And the elders of Gilead said unto 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. And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If you bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head? And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to your words”, and in chapter eleven and verse eleven of Judges, we learn how the elders of Gilead said “the LORD be witness between us” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them:” The writer began with the words, “then Jephthah” which means “at that time Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’ and was a son of Gilead and and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites” “went with the elders” or ”left and departed alongside and accompanying the aged and older men” “of Gilead” which means “belonging to Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’ and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called ‘Mount Gilead’ or the or ‘the land of Gilead’ or just ‘Gilead’. Divided into north and south Gilead”, “and the people made him head and captain over them” or “and the human beings of Gilead cause him, Jephthah, to be the top, summit, chief, best choice, ruler and commander above them, the people of Gilead.  The writer shared how “Jephthah” accompanied the aged men of “Gilead” and all the inhabitants of “Gilead” caused him to be their ruler and commander.

The verse goes on to say “and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.” The writer continued with the words, “and Jephthah” whose name means “he opens” “uttered all his words” or “declared and proclaimed every one of his, Jephthah’s, utterances and declarations” “before the LORD” which means “in front and in the presence of Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “in Mizpeh” or “within Mizpeh whose name means ‘watchtower’ and was a place in Gilead south of Jabbok”. The writer shared shared how “Jephthah” declared every one of his utterances in the presence of Jehovah God within “Mizpeh”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” consented to the request of the aged men of “Gilead”, and he accompanied them back to their dwelling place. At that time “Jephthah” made declarations of every one of his statements within the presence of Jehovah God “in Mizpeh”. It is interesting to note that “Jephthah’s” first act was to make proclamations in the presence of Jehovah God. In other words, he prayed. This is a great example for us, and whenever God calls us to specific tasks, we should pray. When we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and teach us to prioritize our relationship with Him before we perform any task He has given us. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Philippians 4;6-7)

Next time we learn how, “Jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the children of Ammon”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”.

The LORD Be Witness Between Us - Judges 11:10

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephtath asked, “Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are you come unto me now when you are in distress? And the elders of Gilead said unto 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. And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If you bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?”, and in chapter eleven and verse ten of Judges, we learn how how the elders of Gilead said “the LORD be witness between us” where we read,

And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, 

if we do not so according to your words.

The verse reads, “And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, …” The writer began with the words, “and the elders of Gilead” which means “and the aged and older men belonging to Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’ and was a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'.” “said unto Jephthah” or ”uttered, declared and proclaimed to Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’ and was a son of Gilead and a concubine and the judge who defeated the Ammonites; after the victory because of a vow taken before the battle he sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering”, “the LORD be witness between us” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God exist as consenting, attentive and discerning in the midst and middle of us, Jephthah and the elders of Gilead”. The writer shared how the “elders of Gilead” told “Jephthah” that Jehovah God would bear testimony to the agreement made in the midst of them.

The verse continues “… if we do not so according to your words.” The writer added the words, “if we do not so” which means “whether and in case we, the elders of Gilead, in no way or manner produce and perform” “according to your words” or “”in keeping with your, Jephthah’s, utterances, declarations and proclamations”. The writer shared how the “elders of Gilead” told "Jephthah” that Jehovah God would be watching over them as to whether they do as “Jephthah” said.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how the “elders of  Gilead” said Jehovah God would be overseeing whether they kept their agreement with “Jephthah”. God does watch, and He is aware of all agreements and commitments. He desires a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and give us the ability to make agreements that He helps us keep. (See Hebrews 13:20-21)

Next time we learn how, “Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance”.