The Importance Of Correct Pronunciation Essay, Research Paper

Throughout history there has been a strong demand to show words clearly. Time has shown that even the simplest error in pronunciation has led to the loss of life every bit good as great confusion. If we are to be effectual in this universe, we must talk clearly and exactly. In chapter 12 of Judges, we see that this was no different for the Ephraimites. This transition of Bible provinces that 42,000 work forces of this folk were put to decease by the mispronunciation of the word & # 8220 ; shibboleth. & # 8221 ; There were a few factors that precipitated this event.

One factor that we encounter is that of the Ephraimites. The Ephraimites shared the same boundary line, the same God, and many of the same imposts. They do, nevertheless, seem a small spot different from the Gileadites. Their linguistic communication was the same but their idiom was a spot different. They besides appear to be really cheeky in their idiosyncrasy. Even Gideon had a few jobs with this folk when he went to conflict with the Midianites. We see this recorded in Judges, chapter 8, & # 8220 ; Then the Ephraimites said to him, & # 8220 ; What have you done to us non to name us when you went to contend against the Midianites? & # 8221 ; And they upbraided him violently. & # 8221 ; Not much has changed since the clip of Gideon because they are in the same state of affairs once more with person else. It appears that they were merely willing to take discourtesy, at non being invited into conflict, merely if the Israelites were winning.

Jephthah was a individual whom his folk needed urgently even though he had a few character defects that worked against him. In Judges, chapter 11, we see that he was one that did non easy give in to coerce, and was really obstinate. This is shown in two cases. First, when he was asked to take the conflict against the Ammonites, he rapidly questioned the fact that he was sent off because he was the boy of a cocotte. Jephthah merely continued when they vowed at Mizpah to do him their leader. Second, we see though a long account, the ground why Israel was allowed to populate the land. Merely when Jephthah received no answer did he make up one’s mind to assail. Yet another character trait that Jephthah possessed was that he could be unpredictable. This is clearly shown when he made a foolish vow to give the first thing that came through his family doors.

Jephthah was winning over the Ammonites and their subjugation was stopped. Under Norma

cubic decimeter fortunes at that place should hold been great joying within the land of Israel. This was, nevertheless, non the instance. When the Ephraimites heard of the triumph, they became disquieted that they were non invited to the conflict. Jephthah, nevertheless, tells them that they were invited but did non direct anyone to the conflict. It is clear that there was some bad communicating, but irrespective of this quandary, the consequence is clear. When two groups of people come together, who are strong willed, and have opposing aims, the consequence is by and large war. Jephthah had no tolerance for alibis and summarily went to war with the Ephraimites and the Ephraimites rapidly lost.

When they tried to get away across the Jordan river, their flight path was rapidly cut off and they were required to go through a simple but an effectual trial, in order to last. The Ephraimites were required to state a simple word that would give them off. The word & # 8220 ; shibboleth & # 8221 ; was seemingly easy for the Gileadites to state, but hard for the Ephraimites to state. If the word & # 8220 ; sibboleth & # 8221 ; was pronounced so the individual was an Ephraimite and was summarily executed.

This is a really tragic narrative. The folk of Israel should hold been able to acquire along much better than this narrative suggests. When we consider all that they have been through together, we should see great joy, great integrity, and a strong dedication to God. Unfortunately this is non ever the instance. We see these people fall off from God on many occasions, and, have many expletives fall upon them. We besides see that they did non ever work together towards a common end. Sometimes their differences lead to civil war. Even though a master may hold come out of this civil war, the world was that the whole of Israel lost. This war weakened them as a whole every bit good as weakened the folk of Ephraim.

This tragic narrative Teachs us the importance of good, clear communicating. These two groups of Israelites had communicating jobs in two ways. First, when there was a disagreement in the call to the Ammonites, and secondly, in the dialect pronunciation of the word motto led to a civil war. Christians today need to talk clearly and exactly on the affairs refering God & # 8217 ; s message. If we use footings that those, outside of Christianity do non understand, so we risk the danger of non pass oning the message of God & # 8217 ; s grace to them. Each civilization has its ain & # 8220 ; shibboleths & # 8221 ; and Christianity is no different.