- Which gods did the Israelites abandon God for in Judges 10:6-7 and what resulted?
- What did worshipping the pagan gods frequently require? (Use a bible dictionary to research Baal & Ashtoreth gods, Chemosh (Moabite god) Hadad/Ramman (Aram god), Milcom/Milkom (Ammonite god), Dagon (Philistine god).
- What was the Lord’s initial response when Israel cried out to him because of the oppression they were experiencing? Why was this the right and just way to handle the Israelite’s return to idolatry?
- Who was Jephthah and why did his family reject him?
- Why would Israel turn to a man they had rejected for help to defeat the Ammonites, and what was promised to Jephthah if he agreed to help?
- What was Jephthah reasoning/response to the King of the Ammonites as to why Israel was not required to restore land that had once been occupied by the Ammonites?
- What vow did Jephthah make to the Lord? What do you think are some possible reasons that he would have made such an extreme vow?
- What resulted from Jephthah’s vow and what are we to learn from it for today?
- Why were the men of Ephraim upset with Jephthah, and how was the conflict addressed by Gilead?
- How many years did Jephthah judge Israel? Which judges preceded and followed Jephthah and what details stand out to you about each of those judges?
Application:
- What are at least five things I can express gratitude to the Lord for today? Who will I interact with today that may be encouraged to hear that list?
- In times of peace or prosperity, what are ways I can grow closer to and remember the Lord to avoid straying away from Him?
- How does the story of Jephthah encourage me and challenge me in the truth that God can use anyone in any way He chooses, no matter their societal position, history, or status?
- Why can I have faith in God’s plan without the need to resort to bargaining with God?
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