Judges 12 (NKJV)

7 “And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried among the cities of Gilead.”

The book of Judges contains chapters that are bewildering for 21st-century readers. In chapter 12, the focus is on the friction between Jephthah and Ephraim. Ephraim was the largest of all the tribes and perhaps a bit arrogant. They felt slighted when not asked to join in the battle, the same as with Gideon. However, Gideon’s tactic was more diplomatic, and Jephthah’s tactic was the more aggressive one of a warrior. Ephraim made the mistake of threatening to burn his house down with him in it. The final straw was the insult Ephraim hurled at the Gileadites, and Jephthah’s army ruthlessly annihilated 42,000 Ephraimites.

The subject of Jephthah’s vow in chapter 11, resulting in the sacrifice of his daughter (which has sparked exhaustive theories by researchers) and the slaughter of fellow Israelites in chapter 12, some academics believe to be the reason he had leprosy. The reference to his burial in verse 7, according to an excerpt from an ancient commentary, “Because he was stricken with leprosy as a punishment, his death was lingering, and his limbs fell off one by one, and were buried in different cities where they happened to drop off.” This may or may not explain the phrase “buried among the cities of Gilead.” The New King James uses the word cities, as do other translations, while some translations use cities, towns, or give a city name.

Jephthah served as a shophetim or judge for only six years in comparison to the norm of 20-80 years. The Holy Spirit anointed Jephthah for His purpose in the battle with the Ammonites. However, when he was not under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he committed unthinkable sins.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we have been given the Holy Spirit to guide us, but sometimes we fail to call upon You or follow Your promptings. Forgive us when we fall short and do not follow, for your ways are better than ours. We can be slow learners, but You are a patient and holy Father, and for this, we are most grateful. You are the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of our faith. We thank you for Your Son, Jesus, in whose name we offer this prayer. Amen.