1. In Hebrews 11 we read about a number of men and women from the Old Testament who showed how faith will enable a person to be in good standing with God. 2. In vs.32 Jephthah is mentioned. 3. Jephthah was one of Israel's judges. a. (Judges 10:6-9) The Israelites sinned by serving pagan gods, and the Lord punished them by selling them into the hands of the Philistines and the Ammonites. b. (Judges 10:10-18) The Israelites cried out to God for deliverance. c. (Judges 11 - 12:7) God used Jephthah to deliver Israel from the Ammonites.
Discussion:
I. (Judges 11:1-3) JEPHTHAH HAD A DIFFICULT BACKGROUND
A. He is introduced as "a mighty man of valor," a son of Gilead. B. However, his mother was a harlot, and he was cast out of the family. C. He also became associated with "vain men" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
II. (Judges 11:4-11) JEPHTHAH WAS ASKED TO BE CAPTAIN OF THE ARMY
A. Earlier, the people of Gilead did not consider him to be good enough to live with them. B. During war, however, they were willing to have him serve as their leader. C. The Israelites treated Jephthah like they treated God. 1. When they were not at war they rejected God. 2. When war started they cried out to Him for deliverance.
III. (Judges 11:12-28) JEPHTHAH HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE AMMONITE KING
A. (vs.12) Jephthah asked the king why he had come to fight in Gilead. B. (vs.13) The king accused Israel of taking his land. C. (vs.14-27) Jephthah showed the king that God had given Israel its land. D. (vs.28) The king did not listen to Jephthah's words.
IV. (Judges 11:29-31) JEPHTHAH MADE A VOW TO GOD
V. (Judges 11:32-33) JEPHTHAH DEFEATED THE AMMONITES
VI. (Judges 11:34-40) JEPHTHAH RETURNED HOME AND WAS MET BY HIS DAUGHTER
VII. (Judges 12:1-7) JEPHTHAH AND THE PEOPLE OF GILEAD FOUGHT AGAINST THE EPHRAIMITES
