Judges 11:10

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ויאמרו זקני גלעד אל יפתח יהוה יהיה שמע בינותינו אם לא כדברך כן נעשה:

What Does This Mean?

The elders of Gilead are making a promise to Jephthah. They say that God will be the witness that they will do what they have agreed to do. This shows their commitment and the importance of keeping promises.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friend promise to share your toys. Then, you both ask your mom to make sure you keep your promise. That's what the elders of Gilead are doing with Jephthah. They're asking God to make sure they keep their word.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Judges, written between 900-850 BCE. The text is a part of the historical narrative that describes the leadership of Jephthah over the Israelites. It reflects the cultural context of ancient Israel where oaths and promises were taken very seriously and often involved divine witnesses.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, if you make a business agreement with a client, you could say, 'We promise to deliver the project on time, and our word is our bond.' This reflects the seriousness of the promise made in Judges, emphasizing the importance of trust and integrity in commitments.

Topics

• promise keeping
• commitment
• integrity
• divine witness
• leadership
• ancient Israel

Related Verses

• Joshua 9:19
• Genesis 26:3
• 1 Samuel 14:24
• Romans 1:9
• Hebrews 6:18

Recommended Reading

Commentary Judges Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is God considered a witness in this verse?

God is considered a witness because in ancient Israelite culture, promises and oaths were taken very seriously. Having God as a witness added weight and solemnity to the commitment, ensuring that it would be honored.

What was Jephthah's role in this context?

Jephthah was a leader of the Gileadites. He had previously been an outcast but was called upon in a time of need to lead the people against their enemies. The elders are here promising to support him in his leadership.

How does this verse relate to modern-day commitments?

This verse underscores the importance of keeping one's word and the seriousness of commitments. In modern contexts, this principle can apply to personal relationships, business agreements, or any situation where promises are made.

What can we learn about the relationship between the elders and Jephthah?

The elders' willingness to swear an oath in God's presence shows a level of trust and respect for Jephthah's leadership, despite his previous outcast status. This highlights the importance of second chances and the value of leadership based on ability rather than social standing.