Definition: And the king of the children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and unto Jordan: now therefore restore those [lands] again peaceably.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Judges 11:13. It’s a pretty serious message about a conflict and a plea for reconciliation. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What’s Happening? The Problem: The verse describes a situation where Israel, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, began to expand their territory eastward – towards Ammon. The Issue with Ammon: Ammon, a group of people, was angered by this expansion. They felt Israel had taken away their land. The Messenger's Plea: Jephthah (a leader) sent messengers to Ammon to ask them to return to the land they were originally given. What’s Being Asked? Peaceful Restoration: The message isn't about punishment or revenge. It’s asking Ammon to restore their land peacefully. They need to do this in a way that doesn't cause further conflict. The Key Idea – It’s About Reconciliation This verse is essentially saying: "Israel has taken away the land of Ammon, and they should return it to them in peace." It highlights the importance of restoring a relationship after causing harm or taking something that isn’t theirs. In short: The verse is urging Ammon to apologize and return to the land they were originally granted, demonstrating a need for forgiveness and reconciliation. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of the Old Testament?