Ephraim’s complaint against Jephthah may be justified (see earlier notes in verse), but how they complain may serve to further the problem rather than resolve it. With Gideon, their complaint was purely verbal (Judges 8:1). With Jephthah, however, Ephraim adds to its complaint the threat, “We will burn your house over you with fire.” This is an indication that Ephraim’s concern and quarrel with the leader have escalated. This is how upset they are.
1 The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.”