Judges 12 - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible

Ephraimites quarrel with Jephthah.

The Ephraimites had the same quarrel with Jephthah as with Gideon. Pride was at the bottom of the quarrel; only by that comes contention. It is ill to fasten names of reproach upon persons or countries, as is common, especially upon those under outward disadvantages. It often occasions quarrels that prove of ill consequence, as it did here. No contentions are so bitter as those between brethren or rivals for honour. What need we have to watch and pray against evil tempers! May the

Lord incline all his people to follow after things which make for peace! (Jdg 12:8-15)