To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:
Read or summarize all but the last paragraph of the Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC) Lesson Background to understand the contents of the book of Judges between Gideon (last week’s lesson) and Jephthah (today’s lesson).
Have your group read Judges 11:1-3 and discuss the following questions.
- What positive information do we learn about Jephthah and his background?
- What negative information do we learn about Jephthah and his background?
Have your group read Judges 11:4-7 and discuss the following questions.
- Why do you suppose Jephthah went from social outcast to commander candidate in the eyes of the leaders of his hometown? Does that say more about Jephthah or the bind the leaders were in?
- What accusations do Jephthah’s questions convey?
Have your group read Judges 11:8-11 and discuss the following questions.
- How do the elders sweeten the deal in their negotiations with Jephthah?
- How do both Jephthah and the elders invoke the Lord as they reach an agreement?
- How do we see Jephthah’s support base expanding?
In Judges 11:12-28 (not in today’s lesson text), Jephthah attempts to engage in diplomacy with the Ammonite king. But the king wasn’t interested in a peaceful solution.
Have your group read Judges 11:29-31 and discuss the following questions.
- What positive note do we see as Jephthah begins recruiting an army and advancing against the Ammonites?
- What negative (and unnecessary) note do we see?
Read the SLC commentary on verse 31 for a discussion of the nature of Jephthah’s vow as well as a concluding reflection about Jephthah’s legacy.
To encourage personal application:
Since today is Father’s Day, spend some time praying for the men in your group and in your congregation—particularly those who are fathers.
While Jephthah cannot be emulated for his example as a father, we can pray that the Spirit of the Lord would come on these men, as was the case with Jephthah (Judges 11:29).
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