Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, Didn't you hate me, and drive me out of my father's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress?
Jephthah’s complaint about being appealed to as a last resort reminds us of God’s similar words in Judges 10:14. To persuade Jephthah to accept their invitation, the elders promised that he would be their leader (sheriff?) and that they would follow his directions in the battle (Judges 11:8). He acknowledged that if he defeated the Ammonites it would be because the Lord gave them over to him (Judges 11:9). Interestingly, Jephthah used the name of Yahweh more frequently than any other person in Judges. He was a man of faith even though he was a rough character.