Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 12:1-6
EPHRAIM’S JEALOUSY AND DEFEAT, Judges 12:1-6. Ephraim’s ambition and jealousy towards other tribes had burst out once before, in the days of Gideon, (Judges 8:1-3,) but the soft answer of that heroic judge prevented then a rupture between the men of that tribe and the divinely chosen judge. But in Jephthah the men of Ephraim find a man of different mettle, and a character less placable than Gideon. His stern and resolute spirit smites the head of Ephraim’s jealousy, and thus for a long time... read more
Wesley's Explanatory Notes - Judges 12:2
And Jephthah said unto them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands.When I called — Hence it appears, that he had craved their assistance, which they had denied; though that be not elsewhere expressed. read more