MPV Commentary

The Gileadites Covenant with Jephthah.

4 On his return to Israel after the season had passed, the children of Ammon made war against them. The Ammonites seem to have invaded the country, and active hostilities were inevitable.

5-6 The elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah from his home in Tob. They recognized him as the only person with the qualities needed to save their country from this impending danger, and they sent a delegation of chief men from the Hebrew camp at Mizpeh to persuade him to join them.

7-9 Jephthah initially received them coldly, possibly because he saw some of his brothers among the deputies. He was now in a position to make demands, given his past experience. To secure their commitment and ensure they would back him unconditionally, he required a clear and specific agreement to grant him unlimited authority. This was especially necessary since he was about to risk his life for them.

10-11 The elders of Israel replied to Jephthah, "May the Lord be our witness between us." Their solemn oath sealed their offer, and Jephthah accepted the mission, agreeing to accompany them. To guarantee their pledge, he insisted that it be ratified by a general assembly of the people at Mizpeh. The historian notes that Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord, suggesting that his inauguration as judge was accompanied by prayer for divine blessing or some other religious ceremonial.