Definition: And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:8. It’s a really important part of understanding how Gilead was formed and why they needed help. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Gilead is in trouble: The verse describes a situation where Gilead, a group of people led by Jephthah, is facing a serious threat – the Ammonites (a tribe from neighboring land). They’re asking for help: They’re desperately needing someone to lead them against the Ammonites. What they're saying: "And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, Therefore we turn again to thee now, that thou mayest go with us, and fight against the children of Ammon, and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “The elders of Gilead…” : This refers to a group of leaders within Gilead – probably Jephthah himself. “…said unto Jephthah…” : This is a direct message from the elders to Jephthah. “Therefore we turn again…” : They’re acknowledging that they need someone to take on this leadership role. It's a recognition that they are in a difficult situation. “…that thou mayest go with us…” : This is a crucial part: they want Jephthah to lead the fight. "...and fight against the children of Ammon..." : The Ammonites are the enemies they need to defeat. They’re specifically targeting them. "...and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." : This is the most important part. It means that Jephthah will become the leader – the commander – for this entire group. They want him to have ultimate authority and control within Gilead. In short, it’s a plea for leadership and protection. It shows they are vulnerable and need someone strong and decisive to protect them from the Ammonites. What's the big takeaway? This verse highlights the importance of strong leadership and the willingness to accept help when facing danger. It establishes a foundation for Jephthah’s leadership in Gilead – he’s being asked to take on a significant responsibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse was important at that time? Discuss the context of the story within the larger narrative of Judges 11?