Jephthah’s final conflict as a judge of Israel was unfortunately a civil matter. The people of Ephraim made themselves enemies of God’s anointed just like they did during the time of Gideon. And despite every effort to make peace, they refused. What made Jephthah the positive character in history was the fact he pursued it at all.

1. There will always be people who cause problems. The key is to not be one of them.

2. Mercy is shown proportionately to the mercy we know we have been shown.

3. God knows the balance between overwhelming us and spoiling us.