1. Jephthah was from the people of Gilead. He was a strong soldier. His father was named Gilead, and his mother was a prostitute.
2. Gilead’s wife had several sons. When they grew up, they forced Jephthah to leave his home. They said to him, “You will not get any of our father’s property. You are the son of another woman.”
3. So Jephthah ran away from his brothers. He lived in the land of Tob. There some worthless men began to follow Jephthah.
4. After a time the Ammonite people fought against Israel.
5. The Ammonites made war against Israel. At that time the elders of Gilead came to Jephthah. They wanted him to come back to Gilead.
6. They said to him, “Come and lead our army so we can fight the Ammonites.”
7. But Jephthah said to them, “Didn’t you hate me? You forced me to leave my father’s house! Why are you coming to me now that you are in trouble?”
8. The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is the reason we come to you now. Please come with us and fight against the Ammonites! You will be the ruler over everyone who lives in Gilead.”