Northward — Over Jordan, where Jephthah was, in the northern part of the land beyond Jordan. And said — Through pride and envy, contending with him as they did before with Gideon. Over — Not over Jordan, for there he was already; but over the borders of the Israelites land beyond Jordan.... [ Continue Reading ]
When I called — Hence it appears, that he had craved their assistance, which they had denied; though that be not elsewhere expressed.... [ Continue Reading ]
Put my life — That is, I exposed myself to the utmost danger; as a man that carries a brittle and precious thing in his hand, which may easily either fall to the ground, or be snatched from him. Wherefore — Why do you thus requite my kindness in running such hazards to preserve you and yours?... [ Continue Reading ]
Ye Gileadites — These words are a contemptuous expression of the Ephraimites concerning the Gileadites, whom they call fugitives of Ephraim; the word Ephraim being here taken largely, as it comprehends the other neighbouring tribes, of which Ephraim was the chief; and especially their brethren of Ma... [ Continue Reading ]
Said Nay — To avoid the present danger.... [ Continue Reading ]
Shibboleth — Which signifies a stream or river, which they desired to pass over: so it was a word proper for the occasion, and gave them no cause to suspect the design, because they were required only to express their desire to go over the Shibboleth or river. Sibboleth — It is well known, that not... [ Continue Reading ]
Took in — That is, took them home for wives to his sons. What a difference between his and his predecessor's family! Ibzan had sixty children, and all married: Jephthah but one, and she dies unmarried. Some are increased, others diminished: all is the Lord's doing.... [ Continue Reading ]
Mount of the Amalekites — So called from some remarkable exploit, done by, or upon the Amalekites in that place. It is strange, that in the history of all these judges, there is not so much as once mention of the high — priest, or of any other priest or Levite, appearing either for council or action... [ Continue Reading ]