Author: gregsloop

The Ephraimites took humbrage against Jephthah and the Gileadites for not including them in their conquest of Ammon.  Jephthat contended that he asked for their help, and they refused.  This led to a military conflict.  Gilead was a family of the tribe of Ephraim, and they were considered fugitives by the rest of Ephraim.  The … Continue reading Jephthah v. Ephraim (Judges 12)

After the victory over the Ammonites, Jephthah returned home to Mizpah.  As he arrived at his house, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and dancing.  She was his only child.  When he saw her, he tore his clothes because of his vow.  She told him that she understood, and asked for two … Continue reading Jephthah’s Daughter (Judges 11:34 – 40)

Jephthah was a mighty man of valor, born to a harlot.  His half-brothers in Gilead's house drove him out, denying his right to an inheritance.  He fled and dwelt in Tob.  When the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to Jephthah and asked him to be their leader.  He reminded them … Continue reading Jephthah (Judges 11:1 – 33)

Jair, a Gileadite, judged Israel twenty-two years.  His unique feature was that he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkeys and had thirty towns.  After twenty-two years of peace, Jair died and was buried in Camon. After the death of Jair, Israel did evil in the sight of God, serving the Baals and Ashtoreths, … Continue reading Jair and the Oppression of the Israelites by the Philistines and Ammonites (Judges 10:3 – 18)

After three years of being king, a spirit of ill will was sent by God between Abimelech and the men of Shechem.  They dealt harshly with their King.  Shechem began to work against Abimelech, and then began to follow Gaal, the son of Ebed.  They made wine and got drunk, cursing Abimelech.  Gaal seized the … Continue reading Down with Abimelech, Up With Tola (Judges 9:22 – 10:2)