Free group study handout
Judges 11: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Judges 11 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
Jephthah was a mighty warrior, the son of a prostitute, and was driven out by his half-brothers (vv. 1-3). He lived in Tob, where outlaws joined him.
Key verse
“Jephthah vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, “If you will indeed deliver the children of Ammon into my hand, then it shall be, that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, it shall be Yahweh’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”
Judges 11:30-31 (WEB)
Outline
- Judges 11:1–3 Jephthah's Background and Exile
- Judges 11:4–11 Call to Leadership
- Judges 11:12–28 Negotiation with Ammon
- Judges 11:29–33 Victory over Ammon
- Judges 11:34–39 The Rash Vow
- Judges 11:40 Legacy of Jephthah's Daughter
Discussion questions
- In v6, why do the elders of Gilead seek Jephthah to be their chief?
- What does Jephthah vow in v30 regarding his return from battle?
- Jephthah's response in vv. 24-27: how does he justify Israel's claim to the land?
- The outcome of Jephthah's vow in vv. 34-39: what are the implications of his promise?
- When have you made a commitment that had unexpected consequences, as seen in Jephthah's vow?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Judges 11: Deuteronomy 2, Numbers 21, Judges 10.
Before next time: read Judges 12.