Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come to me to fight against my land?
Finally, Jephthah called on Yahweh the Judge to judge who had rightful title to the land (Judges 11:27). The Ammonite king disregarded Jephthah’s message (Judges 11:28). He obviously believed he could take Gilead in battle.