Judges 12
Summary for Judg 12:1-6: 12:1-6 a Ephraim once again felt neglected (cp. 8:1-3 b) and sought revenge. In contrast to Gideon’s policy, Jephthah’s response blamed Ephraim and resulted in civil war. 12:1 c Zaphon was just east of the Jordan River, across from the tribal area of Ephraim.12:2 d There is no record of Jephthah’s earlier appeal.
12:4 e It is unclear why the people of Ephraim were taunting the men of Gilead. Perhaps they resented or looked down on the Israelites who lived east of the Jordan River.
12:5 f The Jordan River could only be forded at shallow crossings where tributaries had deposited silt, as was probably the case where the Jabbok flowed into the Jordan.
12:6 g The term Shibboleth has come to mean any password used to identify imposters. Such linguistic litmus tests have been used by armies throughout history.
• 42,000 Ephraimites: This number could possibly be translated as “42 troops” (see study note on Exod 12:37).
12:7 h six years: Like all the judges after Gideon, Jephthah’s years as judge were specific and short (see study note on 8:28). Jephthah was buried honorably, so despite his limitations he was an inspired and successful warrior (11:29 i; contrast Abimelech, study note on 9:54-55).
Summary for Judg 12:8-15: 12:8-15 j The account continues with these minor judges (see study note on 10:1-5). 12:8 k If this was the northern Bethlehem located in Zebulun, it can be understood as part of the structure of Judges, in which each of the tribes supplies one of the twelve judges (see Judges Book Introduction, “Summary”).
12:15 l The Amalekites had earlier occupied parts of Ephraim (5:14 m).
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