They troubled and oppressed the children of Israel that year. For eighteen years they oppressed all the children of Israel that were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 8. Years by the Ammonites, whose dominion was suppressed by the victory of Jephte. When the servitude commenced is uncertain, verse 4. Hebrew “and that year they vexed,” and so forth Calmet.—Roman Septuagint “at that time.” Grabe’s copy has “in that year;” and though the former expression appear to be more indefinite, yet it must refer to some period, ( Bible.) either prior to the death of Jair, (Salien) or subsequent to that event. Euseb. Genebrard.—The text will not decide with certainty. How long the Philistines harassed Israel is specified, Calmet. 13:1.