YEAR 2, WEEK 27, Day 2, Tuesday, 1 July 2025

https://esv.literalword.com/?q=Judges+12

Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Tuesday, 1 July 2025:

Judges 12:1–3 — Then the men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.”

People will hate you simply because God has blessed you. People will also hate you when you receive the reward for doing what was right when they didn’t choose to do what was right. Gideon previously faced the same envy that Jephthah does in this chapter, but Gideon handled it better. The 42,000 Ephraimites who are about to die are a reminder of how destructive envy is and why one should avoid a quarrel before it gets out of hand.

• Mark 15:10 — For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up.
• Romans 1:29 — They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
• 1 Corinthians 13:4 — Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
• Galatians 5:26 — Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
• Titus 3:3 — For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.
• 1 Peter 2:1 — So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander.
• Proverbs 14:30 — A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

The Ephraimites again show a prideful, combative spirit (see also Judges 8:1–3 with Gideon), quick to pick a fight not over injustice, but over injured pride. They are not grieved that God’s people were in danger or that a holy battle was fought—they’re upset they weren’t in the spotlight. Jephthah’s response is measured and historical, recounting his effort and how the Ephraimites did not come when called. This bitter jealousy within Israel reveals deep spiritual immaturity and foreshadows national fragmentation.

How often are our conflicts born not of righteousness but of ego? Pride makes us resent others’ victories and demand credit we didn’t earn. James 4:1-3 exposes this very root of quarrels among believers: selfish desires and unchecked pride. A mature, Spirit-filled believer celebrates when God is glorified—whether they are included or acknowledged.

• James 3:16-17 — For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
• Proverbs 8:13 — The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
• Proverbs 11:2 — When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
• Proverbs 16:18 — Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
• Proverbs 21:24 — “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
• Proverbs 29:23 — One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.

Judges 12:4-6 — And Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim, and… caught the fords of the Jordan…. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, ‘Let me go over,’ the men of Gilead said to him, ‘Are you an Ephraimite?’ When he said, ‘No,’ they said to him, ‘Then say Shibboleth,’ and he said, ‘Sibboleth,’ for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him…

This may be the first recorded example of racial profiling. Ephraimites could not pronounce “Shibboleth” but rather said, “Sibboleth.” Anyone trying to escape the battle by crossing the river who was an Ephraimite died that day. This was a real tragedy. Discrimination is not always a bad thing. The word “discrimination” has two definitions: one simply means to distinguish one thing from another by identifying exposed differences, such as distinguishing men from women, tall people from short people, adults from children. This form of discrimination is used by everyone every day, including law enforcement. For example, if a man commits a crime, it would likely be a waste of time and resources to question women too, simply out of some self-induced “fairness” rule. However, men should not be presumed guilty or treated differently simply because they are men.

The other definition for discrimination is to make a difference in treatment or favor based upon anything other than individual merit. The Bible strictly forbids favoring or treating people differently by virtue of their natural physical attributes or cultural attributes. However, it is foolish to act as if physical attributes and cultural attributes aren’t used to distinguish one person from another. Observe how many times the Bible mentions that someone was known for a physical or cultural attribute. God made us able to see the difference. The main issue is how you treat people who are different.

• 1 Corinthians 12:13 — For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
• Acts 17:26 — From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.
• 1 Timothy 5:21 — I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
• Galatians 3:28 — There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The church today must tremble at this. When we divide over minor distinctions—denominational traditions, style of worship, personality preferences—we risk doing the enemy’s work ourselves. Jesus warned that a house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). True discipleship requires humility, love, and unity grounded in truth. Even correct theology, when delivered without love, becomes a bludgeon (1 Corinthians 13:1–2).

• Romans 12:18 — If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
• Galatians 5:15 — But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Judges 12:7 — Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.

Jephthah’s time as judge is short, and his end is quiet. He entered leadership through rejection, rose through conflict, delivered God’s people, and exited with civil war and the loss of his only child. His story is a tragic warning: great victories do not guarantee a peaceful legacy. Character matters. Wisdom matters. Obedience matters. And God alone deserves the glory.

Judges 12:8–15 — After him Ibzan… Elon… Abdon…

The final verses briefly mention three other judges who followed Jephthah. Their stories are not detailed, but what is emphasized is their family size and social standing. These accounts offer little spiritual substance, hinting at a national drift away from God’s heart. Their leadership may have brought order, but not renewal.

Like Laodicea in Revelation 3:17, Israel may appear strong but is spiritually weak. Leadership without transformation is not the goal. These “quiet years” may be devoid of oppression, but they are also devoid of revival. Israel is surviving, but not thriving.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 1 July 2025: Beware the pride that stirs division. Ephraim’s wounded ego led to thousands of deaths. Jephthah’s unresolved grief and unchecked leadership allowed tragedy to multiply. The most dangerous battles aren’t always with enemies “out there,” but from pride and comparison within God’s people. Today, examine your heart for bitterness, competitiveness, or any desire for recognition. Celebrate others. Seek peace. Lay aside ego and choose humility. Memorize Philippians 2:3 — “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Then live it out in one key interaction today: lift someone else up instead of trying to lift yourself. Pray: “Father, forgive me for the pride that lingers in my heart—the urge to be recognized, defended, and praised. Keep me from comparing myself to others. Make me a peacemaker, not a divider. Guard my tongue and direct my motives. Teach me to rejoice when You are glorified, no matter who You use. Let the unity of Your Spirit reign in my heart and in my relationships today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”