MPV Commentary

1. Jephthah was born to an unmarried mother, a concubine or foreigner, in a marriage arrangement common in Eastern countries at that time. Despite his unconventional birth, Jephthah's exceptional character and leadership abilities made him a notable figure from an early age.

His father, Gilead, belonged to the tribe of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:14, 17).

2. When Jephthah sought to inherit property in their family's estate, his half-brothers rejected him, citing the fact that he was not a legitimate son. This decision was likely influenced by some underlying resentment or hostility.

3. Jephthah lived in the region of Tob, north of Gilead and beyond the borders of the Hebrew territories (2 Samuel 10:6, 8). There, he gathered a group of men who were idle, daring, or desperate, and they followed him as a military leader. Together, they led a life of banditry, launching frequent raids on the Ammonites and other neighboring peoples. This type of lifestyle was not uncommon among certain groups, such as Arabs or Tartars, who would lead expeditions against outsiders to gain fame and recognition. Jephthah's actions were similar to those of David when he was forced to flee from King Saul's court.