שופטים, פרק י״א, פסוק כ״ח

Diplomatic efforts eventually reach a breaking point where words fail and conflict becomes inevitable. The attempt to resolve the territorial dispute peacefully comes to an abrupt end as the king of Ammon completely rejects the diplomatic message, remaining unpersuaded by its contents [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The rejected message contained a complex historical and theological argument. Jephthah explained that the Israelites did not steal the land from the Ammonites, but rather captured it from Sihon. Sihon had previously conquered this territory from Ammon and Moab under Divine direction. This sequence of events legally and spiritually removed the land from its original owners, making it valid for Israel to inherit. Historically, even Balak, the king of Moab, recognized this reality and chose to avoid war [צוארי שלל].

Commentators explore why the Ammonite king chose to ignore such a reasoned defense. One perspective suggests that regardless of whether the king agreed with the historical facts or disputed them, the arguments simply failed to persuade him to drop his territorial demands [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another approach points to personal disdain rather than a dispute over facts. According to this view, the king of Ammon looked down on Jephthah, questioning his authority to declare himself a leader and send diplomats. Because he did not consider Jephthah a legitimate ruler, the king felt it was beneath his dignity to pay attention to the message [אברבנאל].

This stubborn refusal and insistence on war at all costs triggered a direct response. Following the king's rejection, a spirit of bravery from God rested upon Jephthah. Empowered by Him, Jephthah launched a devastating attack on the Ammonite gathering place, striking them with a massive blow that led to their absolute surrender to Israel [רלב״ג].