The Word for Today with Ray

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Jephthah Vowed a Vow - Judges 11:30

In the book of Judges we learned how, ”the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty of Judges, we learn how, “Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD” where we read,

And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If you shall without fail deliver the children of Ammon into my hands,

The verse reads, “And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said…” The writer began with the words, “and 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” “vowed a vow” or ”gave a promise”, “unto the LORD which means “to Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name of the One True God”, “and said” or “and uttered, declared and proclaimed” the following words. The writer shared how “Jephthah” made a promise or took an oath to Jehovah God and uttered the following words.

The verse continues, “… If you shall without fail deliver the children of Ammon into my hands, …” The writer added the words, “if you shall without fail deliver” which means “whether and in case you, Jehovah God, will give, put, set, grant and assign” “the children of Ammon” or “the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan who descended from Lot through Ben-ammi” “in my hands” which means “into my, Jephthah’s, power, might and authority” then what is in our next verse will happen. The writer shared how “Jephthah’s” promise to Jehovah God began with the idea of Him giving over the “king of Ammon” to his power and strength to which “Jephthah” would promise to do what he says in our next verse.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” went before Jehovah God again before he engaged in battle. He made a promise to God which we shall discover if God would turn the “king of Ammon” over to his power and might. God wants us to appeal to Him whenever we engage in activities that He’s led us into because He wants to lead us. (See Psalm 23) God loves us, and He proved His love toward us 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 after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us live according to that truth so we always go to Him before we venture in His Kingdom. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Luke 18:1)

Next time we learn how “Jephthah” said, “whatsoever comes forth of the doors of my house to meet me … I will offer it up for a burnt offering”, 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 Spirit Upon Jephthah - Judges 11:29

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephthah asked the king of Ammon, ”Will not you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. And now are you any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them. While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did you not recover them within that time? Wherefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon. Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-nine of Judges, we learn how, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah” where we read,

Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead,

and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.

The verse reads, “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, …” The writer began with the words, “the the Spirit of the LORD” which means “at that time the mind, breath, vivacity and vigor belonging to Jehovah whose name means the existing One and is the proper name of the One True God “are upon Jephthah” or “fell out, happened and came to pass on Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’ and was a son of 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”, “and he passed over Gilead” which means “and he, Jephthah, crossed and went forth beyond 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'. Divided into north and south Gilead”. The writer shared how Jehovah God’s “Spirit” settled upon “Jephthah”, and “Jephthah” crossed “Gilead”.

The verse goes on to say, “… and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.” The writer continued with the words, “and Manasseh” which means “and Jephthah crossed Manasseh whose name means ‘causing to forget’ and was the eldest son of Joseph and progenitor of the tribe of Manasseh”, “passed over Mizpeh” or “crossed Mizpeh whose name means ‘watchtower’ and was a city in the district of the Shephelah or the lowlands of Judah” “of Gilead” which means “belonging to Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’”, “and from Mizpeh” or “and separate and apart from Mizpeh whose name means ‘watchtower” “of Gilead” which means “belonging to Gilead whose name means ‘rocky region’” “passed over” or “crossed” “unto the children of Ammon” which means “toward the offspring and progeny belong to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan who descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. The writer shared how “Jephthah” crossed “Manasseh and Mizpeh” and from there went to the offspring belonging to “Ammon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah’s” time for talking was over, and now he began to act. He crossed the territories between him and the “king of Ammon” because he was going to engage in war with him. We shall see more about this in our next few verses, but for now, let us focus on the path that led “Jephthah” took. First, he became the leader of Gilead. He prayed and made his declarations before God, took diplomatic measures and now was physically acting upon the attacks. God was with Him, and He will be with us 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. As we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, 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 live according to that truth so we are lead by His Spirit whether it is time to pray or it is time to act upon our prayers. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:37)

Next time we learn how, “Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Children of Ammon Hearkened Not - Judges 11:28

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephthah asked the king of Ammon, ”Will not you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. And now are you any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them. While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did you not recover them within that time? Wherefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-eight of Judges, we learn how, “the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah” where we read,

Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah

which he sent him.

The verse reads, “Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah …” The writer began with the words, “howbeit the king of the children of Ammon” which means “nonetheless the royal ruler and leader pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan who descended from Lot through Ben-ammi” “hearkened not” or “did not listen, obey or pay attention” “unto the words of Jephthah” which means “to the utterances, declarations and proclamations belonging 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 writer shared how the royal ruler belonging to “Ammon” did not listen to or obey the utterances belonging to “Jephthah”.

The verse continues, “… which he sent him..” The writer added the words, “which he” which means “that he, Jephthah” “sent him” or “stretched out, extended and directed to him, the king of Ammon”. The writer shared how the “king of Ammon” did not adhere to “Jephthah’s” utterances that he extended to him.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how the “king of Ammon” did not pay attention to or obey the utterances of “Jephthah” that were dispatched to him. This was a huge mistake made by the “king of Ammon”, and we shall see the consequences for his rebellion in our next verses. For now, let us be mindful that God speaks to us regularly, and He spoke in words and example 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 grave after three days, so when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to life according to that truth so we know how to hear Him and His wisdom when engaging with people who will not “hearken” or obey. (See John 3:16; James 1:5)

Next time we learn how, “the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

I Have not Sinned Against You, But You Do Me Wrong - Judges 11:27

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephthah asked the king of Ammon, ”Will not you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess. And now are you any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them. While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-seven of Judges, we learn how Jephthah said, “I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me” where we read,

Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but you do me wrong to war against me:

the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

The verse reads, “Wherefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me:” The writer began with the words, “wherefore I have not sinned” which means “therefore, then and on this account I, Jephthah, have in no way or manner missed the mark, gone wrong and incurred guilt” “against you” or ”in opposition to you, king of Ammon”, “but you do me wrong” which means “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover you, king of Ammon, perform and produce bad, evil, disagreeableness, malignancy and unpleasantness toward me, Jephthah” “to war against me” or “to fight and battle in opposition to me, Jephthah”. The writer shared how “Jephthah” declared that he did not do any wrong to the “king of Ammon”, however, the “king of Ammon”, performed evil toward him.

The verse goes on to say, “the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.” The writer continued with the words, “the LORD” which means “Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “the Judge” or “the one who governs, vindicates, punishes and rules” “be judge this day” which means “exist as the governor, vindicator, punisher and ruler upon this particular sunrise to sunset” “between the children of Israel” or “in the midst and middle of the offspring and progeny belonging to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” “and the children of Ammon” which means “and the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ‘tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan who descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”. The writer shared how “Jephthah” declared how Jehovah God who exists as the governor and ruler would govern and rule on that particular sunrise to sunset in the midst of the offspring of “Israel” and “Ammon”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” told the “king of Ammon” that he did not do any evil to him, but the “king of Ammon” performed wickedness toward him. We see how “Jephthah” is making his final diplomatic appeal, and we shall see how the “king” responds. Nonetheless, “Jephthah” knew he was being “wronged” by the “king of Ammon”, and because he was close to dealing physically with him, He trusted God to be the “judge” between them. God knew this plan, and He was working it behind the scenes. God knows our circumstances as well, and because we need salvation from sin and death, God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, 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 stand strong in our faith in Him when adversity and foes rise up against us. (See John 3:16; Ephesians 6:13)

Next time we learn how, “the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

While Israel Dwelt in Heshbon - Judges 11:26

While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did you not recover them within that time?

The verse reads, “While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years?” The writer began with the words, “while Israel dwelt in Heshbon” which means “during the time Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob lived, inhabited and abided within Heshbon whose name means ‘stronghold’ and was the capital city of Sihon, king of the Amorites, located on the western border of the high plain and on the border line between the tribes of Reuben and Gad” “and her towns” or ”and her, Heshbon’s, villages”, “and in Aroer” which means “and within Aroer whose name means ‘ruins’ and was a city on the north bank of the river Arnon, the southern point of the territory of Sihon the king of the Amorites and later of Reuben; modern 'Arair'” “and her towns” or “and her, Aroer’s, villages”, “and in all the cities” which means “and within each, every and the whole of the dwelling places, habitations, abodes and towns” “that be along” or “that exist beside and next to” “the coasts of Arnon” which means “the circuits, edges and boundaries belonging to Arnon whose name means ‘rushing stream’ and was the river and surrounding valley in south Palestine which forms the border between Moab and the Amorites”, “three hundred years“ or “three hundred annual sets of days”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” said the people of “Israel” lived within “Heshbon” and the surrounding villages, in “Aroer” and the surrounding villages and within every one of the dwelling places that were beside the boundaries of the “Arnon” river for three hundred annual sets of days.

The verse continues, “why therefore did you not recover them within that time?” The writer added the words, “why therefore” which means “for what reason and cause wherefore, then and on this account, king of Ammon” “did you not recover them” or “in no way or manner snatch away, deliver and plunder them, the territories” “within that time” which means “in that three hundred annual sets of days”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” asked the “king of Ammon” for the reason that he did not attempt to snatch away the territories that “Israel” occupied within the “three hundred years” that they lived there.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” continued to argue his points with the “king of Ammon” as he referred to the area in which “Israel” had been living for “three hundred” annual sets of days. He wondered for what reason the king did not attempt to seize those territories during that time. We can see how “Jephthah’s” words are escalating, and we shall continue to learn what his thoughts were in our next verses. For now, let us be mindful that God continued to oversee all these things, and He knew everything that was going to happen. God loves the people of Israel, and He was going to deliver them. He loves us too, and He will deliver us from the power of sin and death when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the dead after three days. When we submit to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him and trusts in Him for whatever our circumstances may be. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Revelation 4:11)

Next time we learn how Jephthah says, “I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Are You Better than Balak? - Judges 11:25

In the book of Judges we learned how Jephthah asked the king of Ammon, ”Will not you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whomsoever the LORD our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess”, and in chapter eleven and verse twenty-five of Judges, we learn how Jephthah asked, “now are you any thing better than Balak?” where we read,

And now are you any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab?

did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,

The verse reads, “And now are you any thing better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab?” The writer began with the words, “and now are you” which means “and at this time do you, king of Ammon, exist as” “any thing better than Balak” or ”more good, pleasant, agreeable and excellent compared to Balak whose name means ‘devastator’ and was a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel” “the son of Zippor” which means “the male offspring and progeny belonging to Zippor whose name means ‘sparrow’ who was the father of Balak the king of Moab at the time of the exodus”, “king of Moab” or “royal ruler and leader of Moab whose name means ‘of his father’ and was a son of Lot by his eldest daughter and the nation that descended from the son of Lot”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” asked the “king of Ammon” whether he thought he was more pleasant and excellent compared to “Balak” who was “Zippor’s” male offspring and the royal ruler belonging to “Moab”.

The verse goes on to say, “did he ever strive against Israel, or did he ever fight against them,” The writer continued with the words, “did he ever strive against Israel” which means “did he, Balak, at any time physically contend or quarrel in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”, “or did he ever fight against them” or “or at any time did he, Balak, wage war and battle in opposition to them, Israel”? The writer shared how “Japhthah” asked the “king of Ammon” whether “Balak” at any time contended with or waged war in opposition to “Israel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how “Jephthah” continued to engage with the “king of Ammon” concerning whether he thought himself to be greater than “Balak” who was “Moab’s” royal ruler, and he wondered if the “king of Ammon” knew whether “Balak” ever contended with or waged war with Israel. We shall see more about “Israel’s” contention with “Balak” in our future verses, but for now let us be reminded that God loves the people of “Israel”. “Israel” is God’s chosen people because they were to be the nation through whom the Messiah Jesus would come, (See Genesis 12:3) and because Jesus came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and rose from the grave after three days, when we yield 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 teach us to trust in Him with those who rise in opposition to us and Him. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; 5:38-39)

Next time we learn how Jephthah shares about, “while Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…