The answer is: He was illegitimate and his brothers drove him out

Judges 11:1-3

Jephthah's story is quite a fascinating one! Though often seen as a tragic figure, he really gives insight into the complexities of family dynamics in ancient Israel. Born to Gilead and a prostitute, Jephthah was rejected by his half-brothers because he seemed to carry a social stigma that came with his illegitimacy. This highlights how social status was pivotal in biblical times, shaping not only one's identity but also one’s destiny.

After being cast out, Jephthah sought refuge in the nearby region of Tob, part of modern-day Syria, which was often considered a place for outlaws and men on the fringes of society. It’s intriguing to consider that his banishment opened a vital door for him—while in Tob, he gathered a band of misfits and adventurers, and ultimately, this ragtag group turned into a formidable fighting force.

In this chaos, you might recall echoes from the lives of other biblical figures like David, who also gathered outlaws before ascending to power. It leads to those rich themes of redemption and the unexpected paths that individuals sometimes take to find their purpose.

By the time Jephthah returned to reclaim his place among God's people, he not only jockeyed for role as a leader but did so in an environment filled with conflict and desperate needs, fueled by his past—but open to transformation. His narrative reminds us that one’s background does not determine one’s future, a theme relevant not just in biblical times but surely in today’s world too.