Old Testament
Judges 11:33
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Judges 11:33, we see a significant military victory for the Israelites over the Ammonites.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Samuel
- Written
- Around 1050-1000 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The Israelites living under the judges
He struck them down from Aroer all the way to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the Ammonites were subdued before the Israelites.
And he smote them from Aroer, even till thou come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and unto the plain of the vineyards, with a very great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Judges 11:33, we see a significant military victory for the Israelites over the Ammonites. The verse describes how the Israelite leader, Jephthah, led his forces to defeat the Ammonites, striking them down from Aroer to Minnith, which included twenty cities. This indicates a large-scale battle with considerable loss of life, as the phrase 'very great slaughter' suggests a decisive and brutal conflict. The victory was crucial for the Israelites, as it not only subdued the Ammonites but also secured their territory and safety. This event highlights the themes of divine support in battle, the importance of leadership, and the consequences of conflict. Jephthah's success can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to deliver Israel from their enemies, reinforcing the idea that faith and courage can lead to triumph against overwhelming odds.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Judges 11:33 to your life
This passage encourages us to trust in our abilities and seek divine guidance in our challenges. Just as Jephthah led his people to victory, we can lead with courage and faith in our own lives, facing obstacles with determination and reliance on God.
Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Judges 11:33 mean?
Judges 11:33 describes a major victory for the Israelites led by Jephthah against the Ammonites. It highlights the extent of the battle, mentioning the defeat of the Ammonites from Aroer to Minnith, covering twenty cities, and emphasizes the significant loss of life in this conflict.
What is the significance of the phrase 'very great slaughter' in Judges 11:33?
The phrase 'very great slaughter' in Judges 11:33 indicates the severity and brutality of the battle between the Israelites and the Ammonites. It underscores the decisive nature of the victory and the high cost of the conflict for the Ammonites.
Who is Jephthah in Judges 11:33?
Jephthah is the Israelite leader and judge who led the Israelites in battle against the Ammonites. His leadership and military strategy are central to the victory described in Judges 11:33.
What can we learn from Judges 11:33?
Judges 11:33 teaches about the importance of leadership and courage in facing challenges. It also illustrates the idea that faith and reliance on divine support can lead to significant victories in difficult situations.
The Book of Judges
Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin
After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.
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