1 Samuel 12:11
And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
H7971
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
sent
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
1 of 17
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 17
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִפְתָּ֖ח
and Jephthah
H3316
יִפְתָּ֖ח
and Jephthah
Strong's:
H3316
Word #:
8 of 17
jiphtach, an israelite; also a place in palestine
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וַיַּצֵּ֨ל
and delivered
H5337
וַיַּצֵּ֨ל
and delivered
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
11 of 17
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
אֶתְכֶ֜ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֜ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מִיַּ֤ד
you out of the hand
H3027
מִיַּ֤ד
you out of the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 17
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מִסָּבִ֔יב
on every side
H5439
מִסָּבִ֔יב
on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
15 of 17
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Judges 6:32Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.Judges 4:6And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the LORD God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?Judges 6:14And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?1 Samuel 7:13So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more into the coast of Israel: and the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel.Judges 8:35Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.Judges 8:29And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.
Historical Context
Jerubbaal ('let Baal contend') was Gideon's alternate name received after destroying his father's Baal altar (Judges 6:32). The identity of Bedan is debated; some identify him with Barak, others with Abdon or Jair. Jephthah delivered Israel from Ammon (Judges 11-12).
Questions for Reflection
- How has God provided leadership and deliverance in your faith community's history?
- What does the pattern of temporary, Spirit-empowered leadership teach about dependence on God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe.
Samuel lists the judges God sent in response to Israel's repentance: Jerubbaal (Gideon), Bedan (possibly Barak or an unknown judge), Jephthah, and significantly includes himself. Each judge represented divine provision for specific crises without permanent institutional power. That Samuel names himself among these deliverers is not self-aggrandizement but reminder that the system of Spirit-empowered, temporary leadership had worked effectively, including through his own ministry. The pattern required no permanent human king.