The Spirit of Yahweh began to move him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
By recording the stories of Jephthah and Samson, the writer made clear that initial home environment is not absolutely determinative. One’s life unfolds from his or her personal choices more than because of family heritage. [Note: For an interesting study of the family in the Samson narrative, see Michael J. Smith, "The Failure of the Family in Judges, Part 2: Samson," Bibliotheca Sacra 162:648 (October-December 2005):424-36.] 