Judges 10:18

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Judges 10:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”

King James Version KJV

And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

American Standard Version ASV

And the people, the princes of Gilead, said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the people of Israel said to one another, Who will be the first to make an attack on the children of Ammon? We will make him head over all Gilead.

Free Bible Version FBV

The commanders of the people of Gilead agreed among themselves, “Whoever leads the attack on the Ammonites will become ruler over everyone who lives in Gilead.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, Whosoeuer will beginne the battell against the children of Ammon, the same shall be head ouer all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the people — heads of Gilead — say one unto another, 'Who [is] the man that doth begin to fight against the Bene-Ammon? he is for head to all inhabitants of Gilead.'

World English Bible WEB

The people, the princes of Gilead, said to one another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another, What man is he that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the princes of Galaad said one to another: Whosoever of us shall first begin to fight against the children of Ammon, he shall be the leader of the people of Galaad.

Translation for Translators T4T

The Israeli leaders said, “Who will lead our soldiers to attack the Ammon people-group? The one who will lead us will become the leader of all us who live in this Gilead region.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Judges 10:18

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Judges 10:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּאמְר֨וּ הָ/עָ֜ם שָׂרֵ֤י גִלְעָד֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵ֔/הוּ מִ֣י הָ/אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יָחֵ֔ל לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם בִּ/בְנֵ֣י עַמּ֑וֹן יִֽהְיֶ֣ה לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ לְ/כֹ֖ל יֹשְׁבֵ֥י גִלְעָֽד

וַ/יֹּאמְר֨וּ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

הָ/עָ֜ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 ruler N-mp

גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor N-ms | Suff

מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Part

הָ/אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יָחֵ֔ל châlal H2490 to bore V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 to fight Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a

בִּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 son Prep | N-mp

עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 Ammon N-proper

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head Prep | N-ms

לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

גִלְעָֽד Gilʻâd H1568 Gilead N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Judges 10:18

וַ/יֹּאמְר֨וּ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הָ/עָ֜ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

שָׂרֵ֤י sar H8269 "ruler" N-mp

A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.

Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden

Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.

גִלְעָד֙ Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Definition: Gilead = "rocky region" a mountainous region bounded on the west by the Jordan, on the north by Bashan, on the east by the Arabian plateau, and on the south by Moab and Ammon; sometimes called 'Mount Gilead' or the 'land of Gilead' or just 'Gilead'. Divided into north and south Gilead

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

רֵעֵ֔/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

הָ/אִ֔ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יָחֵ֔ל châlal H2490 "to bore" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.

Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.

לְ/הִלָּחֵ֖ם lâcham H3898 "to fight" Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a

In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.

Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war

Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.

בִּ/בְנֵ֣י bên H1121 "son" Prep | N-mp

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

עַמּ֑וֹן ʻAmmôwn H5983 "Ammon" N-proper

Ammon refers to a son of Lot and his descendants, who lived in Transjordan. The Ammonites are mentioned in the Bible as a distinct people. They appear in the book of Genesis and are also referenced in the history of the Israelites.

Definition: § Ammon = "tribal" a people dwelling in Transjordan descended from Lot through Ben-ammi

Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: Ammon, Ammonites. See also: Genesis 19:38; 2 Samuel 11:1; Psalms 83:8.

יִֽהְיֶ֣ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

לְ/רֹ֔אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" Prep | N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

לְ/כֹ֖ל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

יֹשְׁבֵ֥י yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

גִלְעָֽד Gilʻâd H1568 "Gilead" N-proper

Gilead refers to a mountainous region east of the Jordan River, also the name of three Israelites. It means 'rocky region' and is sometimes called 'Mount Gilead'.

Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: Gilead, Gileadite. See also: Genesis 31:21; 1 Samuel 11:9; Psalms 60:9.

Study Notes — Judges 10:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Judges 10:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Judges 10:18
Trapp's Commentary on Judges 10:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 10:18
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 10:18
Cambridge Bible on Judges 10:18
Barnes' Notes on Judges 10:18
Whedon's Commentary on Judges 10:18
Sermons on Judges 10:18

Context — Oppression by the Philistines and Ammonites

16So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel. 17Then the Ammonites were called to arms and camped in Gilead, and the Israelites assembled and camped at Mizpah.

18And the rulers of Gilead said to one another, “Whoever will launch the attack against the Ammonites will be the head of all who live in Gilead.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Judges 11:11	So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him their leader and commander. And Jephthah repeated all his terms in the presence of the LORD at Mizpah.
2	Judges 12:7	Jephthah judged Israel six years, and when he died, he was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.
3	Judges 1:1	After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the LORD, “Who will be the first to go up and fight for us against the Canaanites?”
4	1 Samuel 17:25	Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see this man who keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”
5	Isaiah 34:12	No nobles will be left to proclaim a king, and all her princes will come to nothing.
6	Isaiah 3:1–8	For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter. “I will make mere lads their leaders, and children will rule over them.” The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the young will rise up against the old, and the base against the honorable. A man will seize his brother within his father’s house: “You have a cloak—you be our leader! Take charge of this heap of rubble.” On that day he will cry aloud: “I am not a healer. I have no food or clothing in my house. Do not make me leader of the people!” For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the LORD, defying His glorious presence.
7	Judges 11:5–8	and made war with them, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah from the land of Tob. “Come,” they said, “be our commander, so that we can fight against the Ammonites.” Jephthah replied to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and expel me from my father’s house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress?” They answered Jephthah, “This is why we now turn to you, that you may go with us, fight the Ammonites, and become leader over all of us who live in Gilead.”

Judges 10:18 Summary

This verse is about the rulers of Gilead trying to find a leader to defend them against the Ammonites, who were a neighboring nation that often clashed with the Israelites. The rulers were looking for someone brave enough to launch an attack against the Ammonites, and they promised that person would become the leader of the region. This shows that the rulers were taking initiative to defend themselves, but they were also leaving room for God to work through the leader He chooses, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 3:10-12 and Judges 6:14-16. It's a reminder that we can trust God to work through our leaders and circumstances, even in the face of challenges and opposition, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 23:4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the rulers of Gilead to make this statement?

The rulers of Gilead made this statement in response to the Ammonites gathering for battle, as seen in Judges 10:17, and the Israelites' recent return to serving the Lord, as mentioned in Judges 10:16, which is reminiscent of God's promise to be with His people when they turn to Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6.

Who are the Ammonites and why are they a threat to the Israelites?

The Ammonites were a neighboring nation to the Israelites, and they often clashed, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as Judges 3:13 and 1 Samuel 11:1-11, and their gathering for battle in Judges 10:17 posed a significant threat to the Israelites.

What does it mean to be the 'head of all who live in Gilead'?

To be the 'head of all who live in Gilead' means to have leadership and authority over the region of Gilead, similar to how leaders are chosen and recognized in other parts of the Bible, such as in Genesis 49:10 and 1 Samuel 10:24.

Is this statement by the rulers of Gilead an example of faith or a lack of faith in God?

This statement can be seen as a mix of both, as the rulers are taking initiative to defend themselves, but they are also leaving room for God to work through the leader He chooses, as seen in other examples of leadership in the Bible, such as Moses in Exodus 3:10-12 and Gideon in Judges 6:14-16.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am facing opposition or challenges, and how can I trust God to work through them, just like the Israelites trusted God to work through their leader?
How do I respond to threats or challenges in my life, and what can I learn from the rulers of Gilead's statement about taking initiative while still trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
What does it mean to 'launch an attack' against the challenges in my life, and how can I do so in a way that honors God, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18?
How can I apply the principle of seeking a leader to guide me in my spiritual battles, just like the rulers of Gilead sought a leader to guide them in their physical battle, as mentioned in Psalm 27:1-3?

Gill's Exposition on Judges 10:18

And the people and princes of Gilead said one to another,.... Being thus assembled and encamped: what man is he that will begin to fight with the children of Ammon?

Trapp's Commentary on Judges 10:18

Judges 10:18 And the people [and] princes of Gilead said one to another, What man [is he] that will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? he shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.Ver. 18. That will begin to fight.] That will be our leader in this expedition. They were not here, as in Alcibiades’ s army, all leaders, no learners. They wanted one that would give the onset, and do some noble exploit against the enemy, promising to give him the principality of Gilead. Militaribus praemiis virtus excitatur. Lavat.

Ellicott's Commentary on Judges 10:18

(18) The people and princes.—There is no “and” in the original; but it cannot be a case of apposition, because the term “people” is never applied to “princes.” Head.—Comp. Judges 11:11.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Judges 10:18

Verse 18. What man is he that will begin to fight] It appears that, although the spirit of patriotism had excited the people at large to come forward against their enemies, yet they had no general, none to lead them forth to battle. God, however, who had accepted their sincere repentance, raised them up an able captain in the person of Jephthah; and in him the suffrages of the people were concentrated, as we shall see in the following chapter. In those ancient times much depended on the onset; a war was generally terminated in one battle, the first impression was therefore of great consequence, and it required a person skillful, valorous, and strong, to head the attack. Jephthah was a person in whom all these qualifications appear to have met. When God purposes to deliver, he, in the course of his providence, will find out, employ, and direct the proper means.

Cambridge Bible on Judges 10:18

18. the people, the princes of Gilead, said] The apposition is unusually harsh; perhaps the princes of Gilead was inserted on the strength of Jdg 11:5-11, where the elders of G. are the persons concerned with looking out for a leader.

Barnes' Notes on Judges 10:18

And the people and princes ... - The inhabitants of Gilead appear as a separate and independent community, electing their own chief, without any reference to the West-Jordanic tribes.

Whedon's Commentary on Judges 10:18

18. The people and princes of Gilead — The English version adds and, but it should be omitted. Princes is in apposition with people.

Sermons on Judges 10:18

	Sermon	Description
	Lionhearted and Lamblike the Christian Husband as Head, Part 2 by John Piper	This sermon focuses on the role of husbands as leaders in their homes, drawing from Ephesians 5 to emphasize the husband's responsibility to provide Christ-like servant leadership,
	Role of Spiritual Warfare as Preparation for a Spiritual Awakening by Harold Vaughan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of an evil conscience and how it manifests in bitter thoughts. He shares a powerful testimony of a man who had harbored hatred to
	The Divine Purpose in the Continuation of the Conflict by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the ongoing nature of spiritual conflict, asserting that while Christ has secured victory over evil, believers must progressively realize this victory t
	Jesus, Wash My Feet by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 13, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the true source of power. He emphasizes that power is not found in worldly wealth,
	Human Remedies. by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar emphasizes the futility of human remedies in addressing spiritual afflictions, using Saul's disobedience and subsequent torment as a cautionary tale. He illustrates
	Marriage and the Gospel by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a holistic life that encompasses the intellect, soul, and body. He encourages listeners to use their God-given abili
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the decline of the nation of Judah during the time of Isaiah's prophecies. He emphasizes the importance of righteousness and moral valu