Judges 11:5

5 It was so, that when the children of `Ammon made war against Yisra'el, the Zakenim of Gil`ad went to get Yiftach out of the land of Tov;

Judges 11:5 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 11:5

And it was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against
Israel
Were preparing for it, and had assembled their forces near them, and had began to make some efforts against them:

the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob;
they did not send messengers to him, but went themselves, partly to show greater respect to him, and partly in hopes of better success, being aware of objections he would make, which they could better answer themselves than a deputation.

Judges 11:5 In-Context

3 Then Yiftach fled from his brothers, and lived in the land of Tov: and there were gathered vain fellows to Yiftach, and they went out with him.

4 It happened after a while, that the children of `Ammon made war against Yisra'el.

5 It was so, that when the children of `Ammon made war against Yisra'el, the Zakenim of Gil`ad went to get Yiftach out of the land of Tov;

6 and they said to Yiftach, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of `Ammon.

7 Yiftach said to the Zakenim of Gil`ad, Didn't you hate me, and drive me out of my father's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress?