Definition: Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:11. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious passage about how God worked with a group of people during a difficult time. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Plague is Coming: A terrible plague was spreading through Israel, causing immense suffering and death. Jephthah’s Role: Jephthah, the leader of Gilead (a group of people), decided to offer a sacrifice to God as a way to stop the plague. He believed this sacrifice would be a sign of his devotion and a way for God to intervene. The Ritual: He instructed the elders to lead the people in a ritual. They had Jephthah stand before God, and he spoke all his words aloud. What Does This Verse Mean? “Then Jephthah went with the elders…” – This tells us that Jephthah wasn't doing this alone. He was guided and led by a group of trusted leaders. “…and the people made him head and captain over them…” – This means he became in charge, overseeing everything. “And Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh.” - This is the key part! He literally spoke to God, and he did so with a lot of reverence and conviction. The word "Mizpeh" means “wisdom” or “understanding.” Putting it All Together: Jephthah was essentially pleading with God to stop the plague. He wasn’t just offering a sacrifice; he was talking to God, expressing his sorrow, asking for help, and acknowledging his dependence on divine intervention. He was taking responsibility for the suffering of others and seeking God's guidance. Why is this important? This passage shows that Jephthah wasn't just a powerful leader; he was also humble and willing to listen to God’s word. It highlights that God can work through people, even in difficult situations, and that it's okay to seek His wisdom. In short, this verse is about faith, humility, and seeking guidance from God when facing overwhelming challenges. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories or themes? Give you some context on the time period it was written in?