The Word for Today with Ray

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Shall I Be Your Head? - Judges 11:9

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 in chapter eleven and verse nine of Judges, we learn how Jephthah asked if, “the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?” where we read,

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?

The verse reads, “And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, If you bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, …” 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 “said unto the elders of Gilead” or ”uttered, declared and proclaimed to 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'. Divided into north and south Gilead”, “if you bring me home again” which means “whether and in case you, the elders of Gilead, return and take me, Jephthah, back to my dwelling place, habitation and abode” “to fight against the children of Ammon” or “to wage war and battle in opposition 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” and the following shall occur. The writer shared how “Jephthah” told the “elders of Gilead” that in case they return him to his dwelling place to wage war in opposition to the offspring of “Ammon” the following shall occur.

The verse goes on to say, “… and the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?” The writer continued with the words, “and the LORD delivered them before me which means “and Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God rescue, save and free them, the people of Gilead, in front and in the presence of me, Jephthah”,“shall I be your head” or “will I, Jephthah, exist as your, the people of Gilead’s, top, summit, chief, chieftain and choice”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” included the idea that Jehovah God would rescue and save the people of “Gilead” in his presence which would cause him to become their choice leader.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” wanted the “elders of Gilead” to confirm that should he return with them to wage war in opposition to the offspring of “Ammon” that he would be the choice leader and ruler over all the people in “Gilead”. This was Jehovah God’s design and plan all the while, and because it became necessary for the people of “Gilead” to be rescued from the offspring of “Ammon”, they needed the help of “Jephthah”. God also desires to use us in His Kingdom work, and regardless of the circumstances before God’s timing for using us, He will let us know when it is our time to work. God worked on our behalf 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. By doing this, He made the way through faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and equip us for His use according to His timing and will. (See Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Next time we learn how the elders of Gilead said “the LORD be witness between us”, 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”.

We Turn to You Again - Judges 11:8

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob. And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, 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 in chapter eleven and verse eight of Judges, we learn how,“the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to you now” where we read,

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.

The verse reads, “And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to you now, that you may go with us, …” The writer began with the words, “and the elders of Gilead” which means “and the aged and men” “said unto Jephthah” or ”uttered, declared and proclaimed to Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’”, “therefore we turn again to you now” which means “wherefore, then and for this cause we, the elders of Gilead, return to you, Jephthah, at this time”, “that you may go with us” or “so you, Jephthah, might proceed forward and depart alongside and accompanying us, the elders of Gilead”. The writer shared how the “elders of Gilead” told “Jephthah” that they returned to him so he would accompany them.

The verse continues, “and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” The writer added the words, “and fight against” which means “and wage war and battle in opposition to” “the children of Ammon” or “the offspring and progeny belonging to Ammon whose name means ’tribal’ and was a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi”, “and be our head” which means “and exist as our, the elders and people of Gilead’s, chief, chieftain, choicest and best” “over all the inhabitants of Gilead” or “over each, every, the whole and everyone of the people who live, dwell and abide within 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 the “elders of Gilead” told “Jephthah” that he would accompany them so they could wage war in opposition to the offspring belonging to “Ammon” and he would serve as their choice leader above every one of the people who dwell within “Gilead”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how the “elders of Gilead” continued to beseech “Jephthah” to accompany them to wage war in opposition to the offspring of “Ammon”. Their promise to “Jephthah” is that he would not only be their ruler, but also the leader of all the people within “Gilead”. Evidently “Jephthah” had skills and abilities that the “elders of Gilead” thought were necessary to wage war in opposition to “Ammon”, and they needed him to help them. God gives gifts and abilities to people, and He will use those gifts in His Kingdom 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. When we submit to 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 teach us to use the gifts He has given us in keeping with His purpose, timing and will. (See Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

Next time we learn how Jephthah asked if, “the LORD deliver them before me, shall I be your head?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Did You Not Hate Me? - Judges 11:7

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob. And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon”, and in chapter eleven and verse seven of Judges, we learn how,“Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house?” where we read,

And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, 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?

The verse reads, “And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house?” The writer began with the words, “and Jephthath” 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” “said unto the elders of Gilead” or ”uttered, declared and proclaimed to the aged and older men from 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”, “Did you not hate me” which means “was it not true that you, the elders of Gilead, considered me, Jephthah, as an enemy and foe and utterly odious”, “and expel me out of my father’s house” or “and cast, throw and trust me, Jephthah, from my, Jephthah’s, immediate male progenitor and ancestor’s, habitation, abode and dwelling place”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” asked the “elders of Gilead” to recall how they considered him a foe and utterly odious as they threw him out of his “father’s” dwelling place.

The verse goes on to says, “and why are you come unto me now when you are in distress?” The writer continued with the words, “and why are you come unto me” which means “and for what reason and cause are you, the elders of Gilead, proceeding, walking and being brought near to me, Jephthah” “when you are in distress” or “at the time and moment you, the elders and people of Gilead, exist within straits, affliction and adversity”? The writer shared how “Jephthah” wanted to know the reason the “elders of Gilead” were approaching him at this time when they were facing adversity and trouble.

When we consider the words in this verse, we see how “Jephthah” responded to “the elders of Gilead’s” request for him to become their commander. These same “elders” threw “Jephthah” out of their city and would not allow him to inherit his father’s dwelling place. We shall see what the “elders of Gilead” and “Jephthah” do with this dilemma in our next verses, but for now let us consider that God Almighty knows when we have been treated badly by others. (Galatians 6:7) We also should remember that His Son Jesus was also maltreated, and they crucified Him. Because Jesus suffered and died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to use the gifts He gives us in keeping with His perfect will and timing. (See John 3:16; 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 11:29; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Next time we learn how, “the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to you now”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Come and Be Our Captain - Judges 11:6

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob”, and in chapter eleven and verse six of Judges, we learn how,“they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain” where we read,

And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain,

that we may fight with the children of Ammon.

The verse reads, “And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain,…” The writer began with the words, “and they said unto Jephthah” which means “and they, the elders of Gilead, uttered, declared and proclaimed to 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”, “come, and be our captain” or ”walk, depart, proceed, move and exist as our, the elders of Gilead’s, ruler, commander and magistrate”. The writer shared how the “elders” from “Gilead” invited “Jephthah” to proceed with them and exist as their commander.

The verse continues, “… that we may fight with the children of Ammon.” The writer added the words, “that we may fight” which means “so we, the elders and people of Gilead, can wage battle and war” “with the children of Ammon” or “with 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 elders of Gilead” wanted Jephthah to be their commander so they could wage war against the offspring of “Ammon”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we can imagine what it took for the “elders of Gilead” to go to “Jephthah” and what “Jephthah” thought when they arrived. They asked “Jephthah” to become their commander so they could wage war against the offspring of “Ammon”, and we shall see how he answers them in our next verses. God knows the abilities of every person, and He will use us according to His purposes and plans. Even when we have been rejected by others like “Jephthah”, 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and empower us to use our God given gifts in His Kingdom. (See Romans 11:29)

Next time we learn how, “Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not you hate me, and expel me out of my father's house?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Fetching Jephthah - Judges 11:5

In the book of Judges we learned how, “it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel”, and in chapter eleven and verse five of Judges, we learn how,“the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah” where we read,

And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,

the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:

The verse reads, “And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel,…” The writer began with the words, “and it was so” which means “and the following existed, happened, fell out and occurred”, “that when the children of Ammon” or ”that at the time and moment 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” “made war against Israel” which means “fought and did battle in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails’ and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob” the following happened. The writer shared that the following occurred when the offspring belonging to “Ammon” initiated fighting in opposition to the people of “Israel”.

The verse goes on to say, “… the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob:” The writer continued with the words, “the elders of Gilead” which means “the older and aged 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'. Divided into north and south Gilead” “went to fetch Jephthah” or “left and departed to get, lay hold of and seize Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’” “out of the land of Tob” which means “from the region and territory known as “Tob” whose name means ‘good’ and was “a region east of the Jordan, north or northeast of Gilead, probably Aramean whose location is uncertain”. The writer shared how the aged men within “Gilead” departed to seize “Jephthah” from the region of “Tob”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn because the offspring of “Ammon” were attacking “Israel”, the aged men within the region of “Gilead” departed from their home territory to lay hold of “Jephthah” who was living in the region of “Tob””. We shall see what the elders tell “Jephthah” in our next verses, but for now let us realize how this is the beginning of of Jehovah God delivering “Israel” through “Jephthah”. God works with us in a similar fashion when we receive His Son Jesus as our “Savior and Lord” who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and let us know He is at work in our lives even when we are unaware of it. (See John 3:16; Psalm 25:14; Daniel 2:2)

Next time we learn how the elders, “said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Ammon Warring Against Israel - Judges 11:4

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, you shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of a strange woman. Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him”, and in chapter eleven and verse four of Judges, we learn how,“the children of Ammon made war against Israel” where we read,

And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.

The verse reads, “And it came to pass in process of time, …” The writer began with the words, “and it came to pass” which means “and the following happened and occurred” “in the process of time” or ”within a division and period of time”. The writer shared how the following occurred within the passing of a certain division of time.

The verse continues, “… that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.” The writer added the words, “that the children of Ammon” which means “that 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” “made war against Israel” or “fought and did battle in opposition to Israel whose name means ‘God prevails” and is the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob”. The writer shared how the offspring belonging to “Ammon” did battle and fought in opposition to the people of “Israel”.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn after some “time” passed, the offspring and progeny belonging to “Ammon” initiated a battle and fight with the people of Israel. Once again “Israel” was being attacked, and we shall see how they handle their onslaught. God knows we are going to encounter battles, and we are advantaged when we are under His protective hand. (See Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 91:1) This begins when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised 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 put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth and keep us aware of His presence whenever our hating adversaries and foes attack. (See John 3:16; Exodus 14:14; Deuteronomy 3:23; 2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 18:39)

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

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Jephthah Fled from His Brothers - Judges 11:3

In the book of Judges we learned how, “Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah. And Gilead's wife bare him sons; and his wife's sons grew up, and they thrust out Jephthah, and said unto him, you shall not inherit in our father's house; for you are the son of a strange woman”, and in chapter eleven and verse three of Judges, we learn how, “Jephthah fled from his brethren” where we read,

Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob:

and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.

The verse reads, “Then Jephthah fled from his brethren, and dwelt in the land of Tob:” The writer began with the words, “then Jephthah” which means “at that time Jephthah whose name means ‘he opens’” “fled from his brethren” or “was put to flight, chased and hurried away separate and apart from his, Jephthah’s male siblings”; “and dwelt in the land of Tob” or “and abode, inhabited and lived within the region and territory belonging to Tob whose name means ‘good’ and was “a region east of the Jordan, north or northeast of Gilead, proabably Arabian whose location is uncertain”. The writer shared how “Jephthah” was put to flight by his “brothers” and lived within the region known as “Tob”.

The verse goes on to say, “and there were gathered vain men to Jephthah, and went out with him.” The writer continued with the words, “and there were gathered vain men” which means “and there were assembled and collected together empty, idle and worthless male human beings” “to Jephthath” or “toward Jephthah whose name means. ‘he opens’ and was a son of Gilead and a concubine and judge who defeated the Ammonites”, “and went out with him” which means “and departed and left alongside and accompanying him, Jephthah”. The writer shared how idle and worthless “men” assembled with “Jephthah” and accompanied him on his way to “Tob”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how “Jephthah” ran away from his brothers and lived within he region known as “Tob”. There assembled idle and worthless male human bings with “Jephthah”, and they departed alongside him. “Jephthah” was made to leave his family and home, and only those who were destitute followed him. We shall see how God uses “Jephthah” in our next few verses, but for now, let us try to imagine this difficult time in his life. He had no idea of God’s plans for him, but God desired to employ him in His Kingdom work. The same may be said for us. We may not see or believe that God has a plan for our lives, but He will work it out when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. As we submit to Him to be 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 to help us understand He is working in our circumstances even when we do not see or know yet what He’s doing. (John 3:16; Deuteronomy 29:29; Jeremiah 29:11)

Next time we learn how, “the children of Ammon made war against Israel”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…