What strategy did Jephthah use to distinguish between friends and foes at the river Jordan?

Jephthah's strategy to distinguish between friends and foes at the river Jordan involved requiring the pronunciation of a specific word, which was "Shibboleth." This method is significant because it cleverly exploited a linguistic difference between the Ephraimites and the Gileadites. When the Gileadites asked the Ephraimites to say the word, those from Ephraim could not pronounce it correctly, which revealed their identity. This distinction was not only effective in identifying enemies but also showcased the deeper cultural and societal divisions within the tribes of Israel at that time. This approach was more than just a physical sign of allegiance; it relied on the subtleties of language, highlighting how communication can be a powerful tool in conflict and identification.