28 Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which he sent him.
28 The king of Ammon, however, paid no attention to the message Jephthah sent him.
28 But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him.
28 But the king of the Ammonites refused to listen to a word that Jephthah had sent him.
28 However, the king of the people of Ammon did not heed the words which Jephthah sent him.
28 But the king of Ammon paid no attention to Jephthah's message.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Judges 11:28
Commentary on Judges 11:12-28
(Read Judges 11:12-28)
One instance of the honour and respect we owe to God, as our God, is, rightly to employ what he gives us to possess. Receive it from him, use it for him, and part with it when he calls for it. The whole of this message shows that Jephthah was well acquainted with the books of Moses. His argument was clear, and his demand reasonable. Those who possess the most courageous faith, will be the most disposed for peace, and the readiest to make advances to obtain; but rapacity and ambition often cloak their designs under a plea of equity, and render peaceful endeavours of no avail.