Passage
Judges 12:1-15 (ESV)
Countless Saved from God’s Wrath by the Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 7:1-17
Key Verse: 7:9-10
Jephthah Engages in Civil War
Date: Nov. 18, 2017
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 12:3
1. Tragic civil war in Israel (1-7)
The Ephraimites complained again that they weren't called to the fight (see 8:1), and threatened to burn down Jephthah's house. Jephthah wasn't as tactful as Gideon. He replied, "you wouldn't help...the Lord gave me the victory...why have you come to fight?" His words did not dissipate their anger but only made them more mad and they had civil war. The Ephraimites who tried to cross the Jordan to go home were tested. If they couldn't pronounce "Shibboleth" ("floods") properly, they were killed. 42,000 were killed. Harsh tongues led to needless war.
2. Three more judges (8-15)
Ibzan of Bethlehem led Israel 7 years. He found spouses outside his clan for 30 sons and 30 daughters. Elon the Zebulunite led Israel 10 years. Abdon led Israel 8 years. He had 40 sons and 30 grandsons who each rode a donkey.
Prayer: Lord, give me gracious words that encourage others, dispel anger, and honor God. Save us from the stupidity of fighting with our own people.
One Word: A humble reply turns away wrath (Prov 15
