Translations
Modern
And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”
Traditional
And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.
Literal
And the people—the leaders of Gilead—said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin the fight against the sons of Ammon? He shall be head over all those dwelling in Gilead.”
Latin
Dixeruntque principes Galaad singuli ad proximos suos: Qui primus ex nobis contra filios Ammon cœperit dimicare, erit dux populi Galaad.
Original
Hebrew
English
And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”
Notes
The leaders of Gilead, desperate for guidance, did not ask the Lord (compare Judges 1:1; 20:18). They decided that whoever volunteered to lead would become the ruler of Gilead.
The story goes back to the Ammonite oppression, setting the stage for Jephthah's tale.
Theme notes and profiles
Events
Places
Ammon: An ancient nation and its capital city, enemies of Israel Gilead: Mountainous region east of Jordan; tribal territory and personal name
Glossary
Topics
Ammonites: Defeated by the Israelites Israel: The People Backslide, and are Given Over to the Philistines for Chastisement for Eighteen Years Prayer: Answered: Ammon The Ammonites: Jephthah Raised up to Deliver Israel From