What does Judges 11:20 mean?
"But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel." - Judges 11:20
Judges 11:20 (KJV) says, "But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel."
This verse is part of the story of Jephthah, a judge of Israel who was called upon to lead the Israelites in battle against the Ammonites. The verse describes the reaction of Sihon, the king of the Amorites, when the Israelites requested to pass through his territory on their way to battle the Ammonites. Sihon refused to allow them to pass through and instead gathered his army to fight against them.
The theme of this verse is the struggle between the Israelites and their neighboring nations. Throughout the book of Judges, the Israelites face numerous battles and conflicts with the surrounding nations, and this verse is just one example of the recurring theme of warfare and struggle for land and power.
In a broader context, the verse also illustrates the role of the judges in the Old Testament. The judges were leaders chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from their enemies and to lead them in times of crisis. Jephthah, who is mentioned in the surrounding verses, is one of the judges who played a significant role in the history of Israel.
Symbolically, this verse can be seen as a representation of the ongoing struggle between good and evil. The Amorites, led by Sihon, are portrayed as adversaries to the Israelites, and their refusal to allow the Israelites to pass through their territory can be seen as a symbol of the obstacles and opposition that the Israelites faced in their journey. This symbolizes the struggles and challenges that people face in their lives, and the need for leaders like Jephthah to rise up and confront those challenges.
Furthermore, the verse also highlights the theme of trust in God. Despite Sihon's refusal and the imminent threat of battle, the Israelites continue to trust in God's guidance and protection. This theme of trust and reliance on God is one that runs throughout the Bible, and it serves as a reminder to readers of the importance of faith and obedience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Judges 11:20 is a verse that captures a significant moment in the history of the Israelites, as they face opposition from the Amorites and rely on Jephthah to lead them in battle. The verse reflects the recurring themes of warfare, struggle, and trust in God that are prevalent throughout the Old Testament. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing spiritual and moral battles that people face in their lives, and the need for strong, faithful leaders to guide them through those challenges.
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Judges 11:20 Artwork
Judges 11:20 - "But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel."
"But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through his coast: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against Israel." - Judges 11:20
Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."
"So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man." - Judges 20:11
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."
Judges 20:20 - "And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah."
Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
Judges 20:27 - "And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,"
Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."
Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."
Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"
Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."
"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years." - Judges 15:20
Judges 18:20 - "And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people."
Judges 20:9 - "But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;"
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."
Judges 20:47 - "But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months."