Definition: And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:10. It’s a really important piece of scripture that speaks about leadership and obedience. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling Jephthah (a leader in Gilead) to be very careful about following the instructions given to him by God. He’s asking for reassurance that he’ll do what’s right, even when things are difficult. Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah…” – This means a group of leaders in Gilead (a Jewish tribe) were speaking to Jephthah. “…The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.” – This is the core of the verse. “The LORD be witness” means God will look down on what’s happening and make sure it's right. "Between us" refers to them and Jephthah. “If we do not so…” means they need to follow what Jephthah says. "According to thy words" is the key part – it means exactly what Jephthah tells them to do. Putting it together - What’s happening? Jephthah was facing a serious challenge – he had to fight against a powerful and dangerous enemy (the Philistines). The elders of Gilead were urging him to be cautious and obedient, telling him to do the right thing. Why is this important? This verse highlights a crucial point about leadership and obedience: Trust in God’s Word: It emphasizes that leaders must listen to God's guidance. Responsibility: Jephthah was being asked to do something important – to protect his people. He needed to follow the instructions of those in authority, even when it felt challenging. In essence, this verse is a reminder that leaders have a responsibility to obey God’s commands and prioritize the well-being of their people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect this verse to a specific story or event from the Bible? Give you a more detailed explanation of why this verse is significant in biblical history?