In today’s reading, Jephthah is confronted by the Ephraimites for excluding them from the battle against the Ammonites, and a genuine feud ensues between the Israelite tribe of Ephraim and the Israelite tribes in Gilead, namely Reuben, Gad and East Manasseh. The quarrel comes to open conflict with many thousands of Ephraimite casualties, and Jephtha goes on to judge Israel until his death and burial. After a succession of judges rule in Israel, a married couple of the Danites are visited by the angel of the LORD, and are promised a son who would be dedicated as a Nazarite from the womb. Not long after, Samson is born to them, "and the LORD blessed him."

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission