Jephthah and the elders negotiate – What drives us? (Judg 11:4-11)
Once, when I took an evening course for further training, I had a Christian classmate who was starved for affection and believed that she wasn’t lovable. To feel loved, she would give people lots of presents and provide small services for others in exchange for some appreciation. Her desire for love was like a black hole, no matter how much affection was poured into it, it was never enough. In the end, her gifts embarrassed others because they felt manipulative and she alienated those around her.
Jephthah, like my classmate, was a driven man. Probably mocked as a child because of his prostitute mother, he was not only cheated of his inheritance but was divested of his identity as his father’s son and of his sense of belonging to the people of Gilead. Now the elders who have sanctioned such unjust action (11:7) come to ask for his help. It is Jephthah’s opportunity to be reinstated. However, the elders show their contempt for him in that they only offer him military leadership (v.6 ‘be our commander’ [NIV] or ‘chief’ [NASB]) even though their earlier, general call included civil authority as well (understood in the meaning of headship, 10:18). Jephthah, however, is shrewd and bargains in true Middle Eastern style. His reluctance indicates that he is not ready to accept the low price. The elders understand and immediately raise the stakes offering him headship this time (11:8). Jephthah’s suspicion of foul play is clear as he seeks further reassurance (v.9), until he gets final confirmation through the elders’ oath sworn to God (v.10).
The sad thing in this episode is what is missing. Where in all this is God, a concern for His people or for justice? The elders never apologise to Jephthah for their treatment of him or put right the injustice done to him. They want help but are reluctant to give more than what is absolutely necessary, much like Israel in her dealings with God. On the other hand, Jephthah’s concern isn’t primarily about Israel’s deliverance either. That is only his means to become reinstated and honoured.
We can sympathise with Jephthah because we are all deeply influenced by our upbringing, and our actions are often driven by the desire to fulfil deep and legitimate needs. However, instead of turning these over to God and finding healing through Him, we may seek out our own means of meeting them in ways that are unhealthy, temporary and ultimately self-destructive. The tragedy of Jephthah is that while he will be doing the right thing (saving Israel), his motivation will twist his actions until they will destroy him.
