What is the meaning of Judges 11:36? My father “‘My father,’ she replied…” (Judges 11:36a) • The daughter opens with heartfelt respect, honoring parental authority as commanded in Exodus 20:12 and echoed in Proverbs 1:8–9. • Her address shows intimacy and trust, mirroring the deference Isaac gave Abraham on the way to Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:7). • By beginning with relationship, she reminds us that obedience to God often flows through God-ordained human relationships (Ephesians 6:1–3). you have given your word to the LORD “…you have given your word to the LORD.” (Judges 11:36b) • Jephthah’s vow (Judges 11:30-31) was public and irrevocable; Numbers 30:2 stresses that a vow made to the LORD “must not break his word but must do whatever he has promised.” • Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warn that failure to keep a vow displeases God. • Psalm 15:4 praises the person “who keeps an oath even when it hurts,” underscoring the moral gravity now resting on both father and daughter. • The daughter’s acknowledgement cements the principle that God’s honor outweighs personal cost. Do to me as you have said “Do to me as you have said…” (Judges 11:36c) • Her voluntary submission illustrates remarkable faith, resonating with Isaac’s surrender (Genesis 22) and Hannah’s dedication of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11, 26-28). • She accepts the consequences without protest, embodying Romans 12:1’s call to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” • This obedience also foreshadows Christ’s willingness to fulfill the Father’s plan despite the cost (Philippians 2:8). • Practical takeaway: true commitment to God involves readiness to follow through even when obedience is costly. for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites “…for the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites.” (Judges 11:36d) • She recognizes that victory belongs solely to the LORD (Judges 11:32-33; Psalm 44:6-7). • By linking her fate to God’s triumph, she affirms that personal sacrifice is a fitting response to divine deliverance. • Deuteronomy 32:35 and 2 Samuel 22:48 highlight God as the avenger who secures justice for His people. • Her perspective shifts the spotlight from human tragedy to God’s faithfulness, encouraging gratitude even amid loss. summary Jephthah’s daughter honors her father, upholds the sanctity of a vow, chooses obedient sacrifice, and celebrates God’s victory. Judges 11:36 therefore models wholehearted submission to God’s revealed will, reminding believers that reverence for Him and trust in His deliverance must guide every promise, every relationship, and every costly act of faith. |
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