1. Ephraim's big talk (1-7)

After the battle was over, the Ephraimites--who had not lifted a finger to fight their common enemy--acted as though they had been slighted by Jephthah. They had done the same thing to Gideon (8:1-3). Gideon had been generous. Jephthah, however, fought the Ephraimites. Because those who spoke the Ephraimite dialect couldn't make the 'sh' sound properly, the men of Gilead caught the survivors at the fords of the Jordan. Jephthah's righteous zeal resulted in a bloody civil war. In those days, everyone did what seemed right in his own eyes, for there was no king, no Bible and no spiritual order.

2. Ibzan, Elon and Abdon (8-15)

These three minor judges were men of their times. They brought some degree of order and peace to Israel, but their spiritual and moral influence was very poor.

Application: Lord, give me courage to fight and claim the victories you give, and humility to welcome and forgive weaker brothers.
One Word: The Lord gives victory