Chapter Summary

Jeptha's awful vow and the victory over the Ammorites.

Discussion Questions for Judges, Chapter 11

1. Verse 1 begins, "Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty son of valor." This is quickly contrasted with the statement, "but he was the son of a harlot." What positive or negative things might people say about you? How do other people's statements about you affect you?
2. Jephthah was driven away from his family for no fault of his own—he was the son of a prostitute. Do you believe that this makes Jephthah a sympathetic figure? Why or why not?
3. Verse 3 mentions "worthless men" (CSB) that accompanied Jephthah on raids. What is the danger in surrounding yourself with people of poor character?
4. What was it about Jephthah that made the elders of Gilead turn to him for help in verses 4-11? What character traits do people look for in leaders today?
5. Based on the message sent to the king of the Ammonites in verses 12-28, do you believe Jephthah had a thorough knowledge of Israel's history? In what ways can knowing history be helpful to us today?
6. In verses 23-27, Jephthah appeals to the fact that the land seized hundreds of years before is evidence of the Lord's will, but the message fell on deaf ears. What should we do if others do not share our convictions?
7. What do you believe verse 29 means when it says, "The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah" (CSB)?
8. What is wrong with Jephthah's vow in verses 30-31? Was Jephthah in control of what came out of his house? What does this teach us about the kinds of vows we should make?
9. When Jephthah's daughter came out to meet him as he returned from a victorious battle, who does he blame for his sadness in verse 35? Is he correct in doing this?
10. After his daughter mourned her virginity, Jephthah kept his vow to the Lord. Do you believe he should have kept it? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Subdued (enemy), v. 33.

Characters

God, Holy Spirit, Jeptha, his daughter.

Strong Verse(s)

35, 36.