Judges 10:17-11:11

International Children’s Bible

¹⁷ The Ammonite people gathered for war and camped in Gilead. The Israelites gathered and camped at Mizpah. ¹⁸ The leaders of the people of Gilead said, “Who will lead us to attack the people of Ammon? He will become the head of all those who live in Gilead.”

Jephthah Is Chosen as Leader

11 Jephthah was from the people of Gilead. He was a strong soldier. His father was named Gilead, and his mother was a prostitute. ² Gilead’s wife had several sons. When they grew up, they forced Jephthah to leave his home. They said to him, “You will not get any of our father’s property. You are the son of another woman.” ³ So Jephthah ran away from his brothers. He lived in the land of Tob. There some worthless men began to follow Jephthah.

⁴ After a time the Ammonite people fought against Israel. ⁵ The Ammonites made war against Israel. At that time the elders of Gilead came to Jephthah. They wanted him to come back to Gilead. ⁶ They said to him, “Come and lead our army so we can fight the Ammonites.”

⁷ But Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me? You forced me to leave my father’s house! Why are you coming to me now that you are in trouble?”

⁸ The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is the reason we come to you now. Please come with us and fight against the Ammonites! You will be the ruler over everyone who lives in Gilead.”

⁹ Then Jephthah answered, “Suppose you take me back to Gilead to fight the Ammonites. If the Lord helps me win, I will be your ruler.”

¹⁰ The elders of Gilead said to him, “The Lord is listening to everything we are saying. We promise to do all that you tell us to do.” ¹¹ So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead. The people made him their leader and commander of their army. Jephthah repeated all of his words in front of the Lord at Mizpah.