24. You will take what your god Chemosh gives you, won't you? In the same way, we will take over what the Lord our God has given us.
25. Are you better than Balak, the son of Zippor? Balak was the king of Moab. Did he ever argue with Israel? Did he ever fight against them?
26. "For 300 years Israel has been living in Heshbon and Aroer. They have been living in the settlements that are around those cities. They have also been living in all of the towns that are along the Arnon River. Why didn't you take those places back during that time?
27. "I haven't done anything wrong to you. But you are doing something wrong to me. You have gone to war against me. The Lord is the Judge. So let him decide our case today. Let him settle matters between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon."
28. But the king of Ammon didn't pay any attention to the message Jephthah sent him.
29. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He went across the territories of Gilead and Manasseh. He passed through Mizpah in the land of Gilead. From there he attacked the people of Ammon.
30. Jephthah made a promise to the Lord. He said, "Hand the Ammonites over to me.