1. A rejected stone (1-11)

Jephthah was the illegitimate son of Gilead. He was driven out by his brothers. But he was a mighty warrior, and when the Ammonite threat arose, the elders of Gilead invited him to return to lead them. They desperately needed a shepherd.

2. A lesson in history (12-27)

When the Ammonite king claimed the land of Gilead east of the Jordan, Jephthah gave him a lesson from history. The land in question, originally Ammonite territory, had been conquered by the Amorites. Israel had taken it from the Amorites (Dt 2:24-37) and had occupied it for 300 years. The Ammonites' god was too weak to give it back to Ammon. But God gave it to his people, Israel.

3. Jephthah's vow and bitter victory (28-40)

Jephthah's foolish vow was his own idea. God neither expects nor wants such vows. God gave Jephthah victory over the Ammonites, but it cost him dearly. Jephthah was a man who feared God.

Application: Lord, raise up men who fear God, spiritual leaders with a sense of history and with faith and courage to put you and your people first.
One Word: We will possess what God gives