Judg 11:1-2 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Judg 11:1-3: 11:1-3 In Jephthah , inspired leadership took a new turn. He had humble origins, attracted followers, was eloquent in debate, and had Spirit-filled military prowess, but all of these were overshadowed by the fatal flaws of his untimely vow (11:30-31 , 34-35 ) and his petulant civil war with Ephraim (12:1-6 ). Even his victory was short-lived (“six years,” 12:7 ). The period of decline was underway, which increased the demand for kingship. Summary for Judg 11:1-2: 11:1-2 great warrior: Jephthah had military prowess and possibly social prominence (see study note on 6:12, where great warrior is translated “mighty hero”). Gilead was a descendant of Manasseh (Num 26:29-33 ; 32:39-40 ; 1 Chr 7:14-17 ). Jephthah’s social standing raised his visibility despite the ignominy of his prostitute mother. His half brothers had no obligation to accept Jephthah’s status or leadership.

a11:1-3►

b11:30-31►

c34-35►

d12:1-6►

e12:7►

f11:1-2►

gNum 26:29-33►

h32:39-40►

i1 Chr 7:14-17►

‏ Judges 11:1-2

Summary for Judg 11:1-3: 11:1-3 ^a In Jephthah, inspired leadership took a new turn. He had humble origins, attracted followers, was eloquent in debate, and had Spirit-filled military prowess, but all of these were overshadowed by the fatal flaws of his untimely vow (11:30-31 ^b, 34-35 ^c) and his petulant civil war with Ephraim (12:1-6 ^d). Even his victory was short-lived (“six years,” 12:7 ^e). The period of decline was underway, which increased the demand for kingship.
Summary for Judg 11:1-2: 11:1-2 ^f great warrior: Jephthah had military prowess and possibly social prominence (see study note on 6:12, where great warrior is translated “mighty hero”). Gilead was a descendant of Manasseh (Num 26:29-33 ^g; 32:39-40 ^h; 1 Chr 7:14-17 ⁱ). Jephthah’s social standing raised his visibility despite the ignominy of his prostitute mother. His half brothers had no obligation to accept Jephthah’s status or leadership.