King James Version
What Does Judges 11:28 Mean?
“Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.”
Context
26
While Israel dwelt in Heshbon and her towns, and in Aroer and her towns, and in all the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, three hundred years? why therefore did ye not recover them within that time?
27
Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.
28
Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.
29
Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.
30
And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(28) **Hearkened not.**—We are not told of any counter-arguments. Probably the king of Ammon cared only for the argument of the sword—
“The good old rule
Contented him, the simple plan
That they should get who have the power,
And they should keep who can.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 11:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 11:28
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge