Day 94 - April 04, 2025

Judges 12-14 Reflection:

After Jephthah's tragic vow was made a reality, the men of Ephraim rose against him in anger. This led to a war. Gilead and Ephraim were both part of the tribe of Manasseh but they fought against each other and the Gileadites called the men that dared to come against their own men, fugitives. 42,000 Ephraimites died because they were judged for the actions of specific ones guilty of brother against brother warfare. Remember a house divided against itself cannot stand. What I find interesting is the tell-tale sign to know who was a man of Ephraim was one who could not properly pronounce "Shibboleth." This word means "ear of corn" or "flood" in Hebrew. Ephraimites could not pronounce it with the H so that was how it was obvious what group they were with. Jephthah judged Israel for 6 years then died. After him came Ibzan of Bethlehem who judged Israel for 7 years then he also died. Followed by Elon the Zebulunite who judged Israel for 10 years. After Elon came Abdon who judged Israel for 8 years. Of course after all these judges passed on the people of Israel once again did evil in the sight of the Lord. The Lord had another plan to give His people a chance to repent and thus Samson was born. Samson was intended to be a man of God and mother was faithful and obedient to the Lord's instructions for her to bear this son. But unfortunately Samson desired a Phillistine wife. Aside from this forbidden desire, he also was hot-tempered and prideful with the strength God had blessed him with and ultimately it would be his undoing.