Jephthah

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: From Hebrew yip̄tāḥ (“he opens”), likely reflecting divine enabling or deliverance.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (era of the Judges, pre-monarchy).
• Main References: Judges 11–12.
• Key Connections: Son of Gilead; rejected by his half-brothers; negotiated with the elders of Gilead; opponent of the Ammonites; father of an only daughter.

Who was Jephthah?

Jephthah was a Gileadite warrior who became a judge and military leader in Israel.
Though born to a prostitute, he was expelled from his father’s house and lived in the land of Tob.
In Israel’s conflict with Ammon, the elders of Gilead brought him back to lead their forces.
He governed as judge for six years after the deliverance (Judges 12:7).

Key Events & Achievements

• Called to lead Gilead: Returned from Tob and made head over Gilead by covenant before the LORD at Mizpah (Judges 11:4–11).
• Delivered Israel from Ammon: Sent a diplomatic message recalling Israel’s past and then defeated Ammon after the Spirit of the LORD came upon him (Judges 11:12–33).
• Civil conflict with Ephraim: Fought Ephraim after they challenged his leadership, using a pronunciation test at the fords of the Jordan (Judges 12:1–6).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Jephthah’s story preserves how Israel’s deliverance in the Judges era could be joined to tragic outcomes shaped by vows, conflict, and fragile leadership.

Key Verse

"Then Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, “If you give the Ammonites into my hands..." — Judges 11:30, NIV