Jephthah: Whom the Lord loves

The life of Jephthah is sandwiched in between accounts of lesser judges at the beginning of chapter 10 and end of chapter 12 of Judges.

In Judges 10:16 we encounter a remarkable verse regarding the heart of God and chastisement: "And his soul could no longer endure the misery of Israel."

God still chastens believers today -- not because he hates them or is visiting his just judgment on them -- but because he loves them and wants what is best for them. He does not delight in our pain but in our coming to him and enjoying a relationship with him.