“Will not thou possess that which Chemosh thy god giveth thee to possess? So whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out from before us, them will we possess.”
Context:The book of Judges is part of the historical books of the Old Testament. It recounts the period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, during which the Israelites were governed by a series of judges who delivered them from oppression. This verse is found within the account of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel.
Jephthah’s Conflict:In Judges 11, Jephthah, a mighty warrior, is confronted by the Ammonites who are threatening to wage war against Israel. Jephthah attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution and asks the Ammonite king why they are attacking. The verse in question is part of Jephthah’s response to the king.
The Assertion of Ownership:In this verse, Jephthah challenges the Ammonite king’s claim to the land. He acknowledges that the Ammonites possess the land that their god, Chemosh, has given them. However, Jephthah asserts that the Israelites also have a rightful claim to the land that God, the Lord, has given them.
Monotheism vs. Polytheism:This verse highlights the clash between the belief systems of the Israelites and the Ammonites. The Ammonites worshiped Chemosh, their god, while the Israelites worshiped the Lord, the one true God. Jephthah emphasizes that the Israelites’ claim to the land is based on their allegiance to God, who has promised to drive out the nations before them.
God’s Promise and Possession:Jephthah declares that the Lord, their God, will drive out the nations before them, and the Israelites will possess the land. This assertion reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to give the land of Canaan to the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12:7). The Israelites understood that God was the source of their victories and their right to possess the land.
Application:This verse reminds us of the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s ownership and sovereignty over our lives and circumstances. Just as the Israelites acknowledged God’s provision and promise, we should trust in God’s faithfulness, knowing that He is the one who gives us what we possess. We should also be aware of the clash between worldviews and ideologies that exist today, and remain steadfast in our devotion to the one true God.
It’s important to note that Judges 11:24 is part of a larger narrative, and studying the surrounding verses and the entire chapter provides a more comprehensive understanding of Jephthah’s story and its significance in the overall context of the book of Judges.
