Lesson 18

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points

1. Great potential can be lost because of prejudice.

2. God honors the truth, not "spin."

practical application

1. Do you suffer as a result of someone else's mistakes?

questions

1. Why did Jephthah flee from Gilead?

2. How is Jephthah a picture of the Ruler to come, the perfect Judge?

3. How do we know from Scripture that Jephthah was a man of great potential?

4. What is the meaning of "spin?"

5. Who was telling the truth and who doing a "spin" on the truth?

answers

1. His brothers drove him out because he was the son of a harlot.

2. Both Jephthah and Jesus were despised and cast out by their own people, even though neither had done anything wrong. Both were accused of an illegitimate birth. As the leaders were humbled, they asked Jephthah to rule over them, so will Israel one day be humbled to the point where they recognize Christ as King. Jephthah was a judge and a ruler, pointing to the Ruler to come, the perfect Judge.

3. It is stated that he was a man of valor. He was a leader, banding together a group of worthless men to go out raiding with him, and he was asked by the elders to come and fight for them. He was diplomatic in the use of his knowledge of history and logic with the Ammonites. Also, he is included in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11:32.

4. "Spin" means to take the facts and manipulate them to suit yourself and push your own agenda, which is not necessarily the truth.

5. Jephthah was telling the truth. The king of Ammon put a spin on the facts.

discuss / consider

1. Jephthah's potential was nearly lost because of the prejudice of his brothers. Are you aware of Christian men and women whose potential is not being used because of prejudice? Is there something you can do about it?

2. God honored the truth of Jephthah. This is a day of spinmeisters, but they will ultimately answer to the truth. Unfortunately, spin can take place in Christian circles as well as in politics. Again, is there something that you can do when you discern spin?

challenge

Jephthah suffered because of another's mistake, and he had to flee and live as an outcast. How did he react? He never took revenge. Furthermore, he honored the Lord and made himself available for the Lord's service. What is your reaction when you suffer as a result of someone else's mistake? Never take revenge, because that belongs to the Lord; He will repay.

memorize

• "Jephthah was a mighty man of valor." Judges 11:1

• "Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord." Judges 11:11

• "I have not sinned against you, but you wronged me...May the Lord, the Judge, render judgment this day between us." Judges 11:27

• "The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah." Judges 11:29

• "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord." Romans 12:19