KJV ORIGINAL
And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, 'Let the LORD be our witness—we promise we will do exactly what you have asked.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The elders are making a solemn promise to Jephthah, calling on God to witness their commitment to keep their word.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs when the Israelites were being oppressed by the Ammonites and desperately needed a military leader. The elders of Gilead had approached Jephthah, an outcast warrior, asking him to lead them in battle, and he had agreed but demanded they make him their permanent leader if successful.
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