Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah - was the son of a harlot - I think the word זונה zonah , which we here render harlot, should be translated, as is contended for on Joshua 2:1 ; (note), viz. a hostess, keeper of an inn or tavern for the accommodation of travelers; and thus it is understood by the Targum of Jonathan on this place: פונדקיתא אתתא בר והוא vehu bar ittetha pundekitha , "and he was the son of a woman, a tavern keeper." She was very probably a Canaanite, as she is called, ... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Judges 11:9
And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead ,.... Considering the former usage he had met with from them, and the character which he himself bore, and the fickleness of men, when their turn is served, was willing to make a sure bargain with them: if ye bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon ; that is, should he consent to go along with them, and fight their battle for them: and the Lord deliver them before me ; or into his hands, on whom he depended for success,... read more