Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim: and the men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they said, Ye Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites, and among the Manassites.
Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead together and fought against Ephraim. The men of Gilead defeated Ephraim because the Ephraimites had said, 'You Gileadites are just runaway fugitives living among the Ephraimites and Manassites.'
This verse shows how insulting words led to a civil war between two groups of Israelites, with Jephthah's army defeating those who had mocked them as outcasts.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Judges, Jephthah was a leader from the tribe of Gilead who had recently led a successful campaign against the Ammonites. The Ephraimites, another Israelite tribe, accused the Gileadites of being outsiders and fugitives, feeling slighted for not being included in the earlier battle, which escalated into a violent confrontation. This event reflects the ongoing tribal tensions and internal divisions among the Israelites during the period of the judges.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.