Refuting the Claim of the Ammonites

Long gone and forgotten were the Otniels of illustrious lineage and the Devoras of prophetic inspiration.  Now the people only deserved to be guided by a man of problematic pedigree who was himself gainfully employed in the infamous career of brigandage.Yiftah's "promising" introduction thus recalls a long line of other unsung Biblical heroes, people who rose from obscurity, infamy, or the performance of questionable acts to achieve renown. Like Yiftah, David is expelled from society and like Yiftah he gathers to him a group of people with questionable backgrounds.

Yiftah's claim to the king of Ammon is explained in great geographical and historical detail.