Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is often associated with the term "bastard" due to his illegitimate birth. His account is primarily found in Judges 11-12. Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers. They drove him away, declaring, "You shall have no inheritance in our father's house, because you are the son of another woman" (Judges 11:2). This rejection highlights the cultural stigma associated with illegitimacy in ancient Israelite society.

Despite his status, Jephthah became a valiant warrior. He fled to the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers and became their leader. His prowess in battle and leadership skills did not go unnoticed. When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead sought Jephthah's help, recognizing his military capabilities. They pleaded with him to return and lead them against the Ammonites, promising to make him their head if he succeeded (Judges 11:5-8).

Jephthah's response to the elders reveals his awareness of his past rejection and the conditional nature of their offer. He questioned them, "Did you not hate me and drive me from my father's house? Why then have you come to me now, when you are in distress?" (Judges 11:7). Nevertheless, he agreed to their terms, provided they would indeed make him their leader if the Lord granted him victory.

Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted diplomacy, sending messengers to the king of the Ammonites to understand the cause of their aggression. The king's response was based on a historical claim to the land, which Jephthah refuted by recounting Israel's journey and conquests under divine guidance (Judges 11:12-27). His appeal to history and theology underscores his understanding of Israel's covenant relationship with God.

Jephthah's vow to the Lord is one of the most controversial aspects of his narrative. He vowed that if God granted him victory over the Ammonites, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of the doors of his house to meet him upon his return (Judges 11:30-31). The Lord granted him victory, and upon his return, his only child, a daughter, came out to meet him. The fulfillment of this vow has been the subject of much debate and interpretation among scholars and theologians.

Jephthah's leadership extended beyond the battle with the Ammonites. He judged Israel for six years, during which he dealt with internal conflicts, including a dispute with the tribe of Ephraim. The Ephraimites accused Jephthah of not calling them to fight against the Ammonites, leading to a conflict that resulted in the defeat of Ephraim (Judges 12:1-6).

Jephthah's account is a complex narrative of rejection, redemption, and leadership. His illegitimate birth did not prevent him from being used by God to deliver Israel, demonstrating that divine purpose can transcend human limitations and societal stigmas.Judges 11:1
Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of an harlot: and Gilead begat Jephthah.
Nave's Topical Index

Against Jovinianus.
... He says there was no difference between Jephthah and his virgin daughter, who was
sacrificed to the Lord: nay, of the two, he prefers the faith of the father ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm

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