Definition: Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:28. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about leadership and obedience. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Judges 11:28 Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Judges 11:28” : This tells us we're talking about a specific event in history – a time when the king of the children of Ammon, a group of people from the east, was causing trouble. “The king of the children of Ammon” : This refers to a particular tribe or group of people who were acting aggressively and threatening the Israelites. They were considered enemies. “hearkened not unto” : This is the key part. “Heard” means listened, paid attention to, or understood. "Heard not" means didn't listen. It indicates a deliberate refusal to heed Jephthah’s message. “the words of Jephthah” : Jephthah was a leader who sent a messenger – likely a priest or someone with authority – to the king of Ammon to deliver a warning and a plea for peace. He had specifically spoken about offering a lamb as a sacrifice to appease the gods and stop the violence. “which he sent him” : This clarifies that Jephthah’s message was specifically directed at this king. So, what does it mean? This verse describes a situation where a leader (the king of Ammon) ignored a crucial warning from another leader (Jephthah). It highlights a serious failure in leadership – prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of the people and following God's instructions. Why is it significant? This story shows that disobedience, even by those in positions of authority, can have serious consequences. It’s about the importance of listening to wise counsel and obeying God’s commands – because disobeying can lead to disaster. It's a reminder that leadership isn't just about power; it's about responsibility and following what is right. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific event from the Bible? Discuss its historical context?