Definition: Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 11:29. It’s a really important passage about God’s protection and judgment! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is protecting a group of people (Gilead and Mizpeh of Gilead) from a dangerous leader (Manasseh). Let's unpack that a little bit: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah…” - This means God’s power and blessing flowed directly onto Jephthah. Think of it like a divine wind or energy. “…and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh…” - This refers to Jephthah's leadership group – Gilead and Manasseh. Basically, God was giving them protection from harm. “…and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over [unto] the children of Ammon.” - This is the key part! God’s power continued to flow over Mizpeh of Gilead. “Mizpeh of Gilead” was the name of Jephthah’s powerful advisor/leader. He was essentially the "head" of the group, and God was giving himself (or his authority) over this person. So, what's happening? Jephthah was a leader, but he was vulnerable to being manipulated or controlled by someone else. God is actively intervening to protect those people from the negative influence of this leader – essentially shielding them with divine favor and protection. Why is this important? This verse speaks to themes of: Divine Protection: It highlights that God’s presence and power can act as a shield against evil. Leadership & Influence: It shows how leadership can be susceptible to negative influence, even within a group. God's Sovereignty: It emphasizes God’s complete control over events – He doesn’t just react; He actively works to protect His chosen people. In short, it's a story of God actively safeguarding a group of people from a potential threat through his divine power. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you more context about the historical situation in which this verse was written?