Bible Commentaries
Judges 11

Verses 1-40

Ammonite Oppression and Deliverance by Jephthah The story of Jephthah’s leadership over Israel during the period of the Judges offers readers one of the most amazing stories to deal with in the Holy Scriptures. This judge made a vow unto the Lord that resulted in the offering of his daughter as a burnt sacrifice unto the Lord. Yet, the great victory that the Lord gave him in defeating the Ammonites won him recognition in the “Hall of Faith” found in Hebrews 11:1-40. Jephthah is listed with a number of other judges because he demonstrated tremendous faith in God (Hebrews 11:32-34).

Hebrews 11:32-34, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

Haddon Robinson says this story teaches us that “God overlooks ignorance, but not unbelief.” [22]

[22] Haddon W. Robinson, “The Story of Jephthah: Judges 11:0,” Expository Homiletical Conference, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, Massachusetts, 14 October 2011.