JUDGES 12

JEPTHAH BATTLES THE TRIBE OF EPHRAIM

The people of Ephraim are angry that they are not called upon for battle, similar to Judges 8 when Gideon did not include them in the battle against the Mideonites. The people of Ephraim threaten to burn down Jephthah’s house and begin to fight amongst themselves. This is the first battle within the Israelites, similar to a civil war. Because of this, 42,000 people from Ephraim died. This battle is not a promising indicator of Israel’s future faithfulness. Instead of living in unity, God’s chosen people are battling and killing one another.

Jephthah died after six years of leading as judge of the Israelites. After Jephthah, a man named Ibzan led for seven years. After Izban, a man named Elon led for ten years, and was succeeded by a man named Abdon who led for eight years.