There are some important differences between Jephthah’s war against the Ephraimites and his war against the Ammonites. For one, his war against the Ammonites (Judges 11:32–33) is recounted in far less detail than his war against the Ephraimites (Judges 12:1–6). Furthermore, each account reveals Jephthah’s personal motives for the respective war. His war against Ammon is motivated by his wish for status and honour (Judges 11:9–11). His war against Ephraim is motivated by his desire to defend his status (Judges 12:4). He goes into combat against those whom he delivered shortly before, and slaughters them mercilessly.
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4 Jephthé rassembla tous les hommes de Galaad, et livra bataille à Ephraïm. Les hommes de Galaad battirent Ephraïm, parce que les Ephraïmites disaient: Vous êtes des fugitifs d'Ephraïm! Galaad est au milieu d'Ephraïm, au milieu de Manassé!