4. Later, Ammon waged war with Israel.
5. When the Ammonites attacked Israel, Gilead’s leaders went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob.
6. They said to Jephthah, “Come and be our commander so that we can wage war against Ammon.”
7. But Jephthah replied to Gilead’s leaders, “Don’t you hate me? Didn’t you throw me out of my father’s house? So why are you coming to me now when you’re in trouble?”
8. Gilead’s leaders answered Jephthah, “The reason we’ve turned to you now is that we want you to go with us and wage war against Ammon. You will be the ruler of everyone who lives in Gilead.”
9. Jephthah told them, “If you take me back to fight against Ammonites and the Lord gives them to me, I will be your leader.”