phraimites quarrel with Jephthah. (1-7) Ibzan, Elon, and
Abdon judge Israel. (8-15)
Verses 1-7: The Ephraimites had the same quarrel with Jephthah as with
Gideon. Pride was at the bottom of the quarrel; only by that
comes contention. It is ill to fasten names of reproach upon
persons or countries, as is common, especially upon those under
outward disadvantages. It often occasions quarrels that prove of
ill consequence, as it did here. No contentions are so bitter as
those between brethren or rivals for honour. What need we have
to watch and pray against evil tempers! May the Lord incline all
his people to follow after things which make for peace!
Verses 8-15: We have here a short account of three more of the judges
of Israel. The happiest life of individuals, and the happiest
state of society, is that which affords the fewest remarkable
events. To live in credit and quiet, to be peacefully useful to
those around us, to possess a clear conscience; but, above all,
and without which nothing can avail, to enjoy communion with God
our Saviour while we live, and to die at peace with God and man,
form the substance of all that a wise man can desire.
phraimites quarrel with Jephthah. (1-7) Ibzan, Elon, and
Abdon judge Israel. (8-15)