Yiftah's Legacy

Yiftah, like Gideon, faces harsh criticism from the tribe of Ephraim due to their lack of inclusion in the battle against Ammon. However, as opposed to Gideon, Yiftah's reaction is violent and destructive. His rash and reckless words were his undoing, condemning both his kinsman to the slaughter as well as his own daughter to death.

The chapter concludes with the mention of three minor judges who seem to hail from the north of the country. The town of Beit Lehem mentioned in the context of Ivtzan might be in the territory of Zevulun. However, Hazal identify Beit Lehem with the town in the territory of Yehuda and Ivtzan with Boaz from Megillat Ruth, giving us a glimmer of hope in this otherwise dark and tragic era.