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

Judges 11:1-3

Jephthah's flight to Tob is a striking episode in the chaotic narrative found in the Book of Judges. It vividly paints a tale of family conflict and social stigma. As the son of a harlot, Jephthah carried the weight of illegitimacy in a culture where lineage and honor were greatly cherished. His brothers, ashamed of his background, pushed him out of the family, showing just how brutal familial dynamics can become.

Tob, his refuge, was a region east of the Jordan River. Interestingly, in Judges 11:4, Tob becomes a place where Jephthah gathers a band of "worthless men," who become his companions as he prepares for battle against the Ammonites. It’s almost an irony to see how being an outcast allowed him to forge new connections and ultimately become a leader.

If we zoom out a bit, we notice this isn’t Maine or a small-town dilemma—Jephthah's story echoes the struggles of many biblical figures. Think of David, who also began as an outcast but evolved into a king. Instead of nourishing gratitudes, both men took immense personal and cultural hurdles—and these slices of life remind us how society's rejections often catalyze latent gifts and leadership qualities.

Jephthah reminds us of the power narratives held. His tragic yet inspiring trajectory from rejection to military leader highlights that nobility often comes from unexpected circumstances. Plus, he’s the subject of enduring conversations about heritage, value, and aspiration amidst adversity.