Judges 11:4-10

Living Bible

⁴ It was about this time that the Ammonites began their war against Israel. ⁵ The leaders of Gilead sent for Jephthah, ⁶ begging him to come and lead their army against the Ammonites.

⁷ But Jephthah said to them, “Why do you come to me when you hate me and have driven me out of my father’s house? Why come now when you’re in trouble?”

⁸ “Because we need you,” they replied. “If you will be our commander-in-chief against the Ammonites, we will make you the king of Gilead.”

⁹ “Sure!” Jephthah exclaimed. “Do you expect me to believe that?”

¹⁰ “We swear it,” they replied. “We promise with a solemn oath.”