Topical Encyclopedia Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is remembered for his leadership and his tragic vow concerning his daughter. He was the son of Gilead and a harlot, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and his subsequent life as an outcast in the land of Tob (Judges 11:1-3). Despite his origins, Jephthah rose to prominence as a mighty warrior and was called upon by the elders of Gilead to lead them against the Ammonites, who were oppressing Israel (Judges 11:4-6).The Vow Before engaging in battle with the Ammonites, Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, saying, "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering" (Judges 11:30-31). This vow, made in the heat of the moment, would have profound consequences. Victory and Fulfillment The LORD granted Jephthah victory over the Ammonites, and he returned home to Mizpah. Tragically, it was his only child, his daughter, who came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing (Judges 11:34). Upon seeing her, Jephthah was devastated, realizing the implications of his vow. He tore his clothes and lamented, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me to my knees. You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back" (Judges 11:35). The Daughter's Response Jephthah's daughter responded with remarkable faith and submission, asking only for two months to roam the hills and weep with her friends because she would never marry (Judges 11:37). After this period, she returned to her father, and he fulfilled his vow. The text does not explicitly state the nature of the fulfillment, leading to various interpretations among scholars and theologians. Interpretations and Implications The account of Jephthah's vow has been the subject of much debate. Some interpret the fulfillment of the vow as a literal sacrifice, while others suggest that Jephthah's daughter was dedicated to lifelong service to the LORD, similar to the Nazarite vow, thus remaining unmarried. Regardless of the interpretation, the account serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of vows made to God and the potential consequences of rash promises. Jephthah's account is a poignant reminder of the importance of thoughtful and deliberate commitments to the LORD. His leadership and faith are evident, yet his account is marred by the tragic outcome of his vow, highlighting the need for wisdom and discernment in our dealings with God. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:31,34-40Then it shall be, that whatever comes forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. Nave's Topical Index Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Ephraim? | GotQuestions.orgWhy were the Philistines and the Israelites always at war? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the land of Gilead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jephthah: Escapes the Violence of his Half-Brothers; Lives in the Land of Tob Jephthah: Falsely Accused by the Ephraimites Jephthah: His Message to the King of the Ammonites Jephthah: His Rash Vow Concerning Bis Daughter Jephthah: Illegitimate, and Therefore not Entitled to Inherit his Father's Property Jephthah: Leads Israel for Six Years, Dies, and is Buried in Gilead Jephthah: Leads the Army of Israel Against the Ammonites Jephthah: Leads the Army of the Gileadites Against the Ephraimites Jephthah: Made Captain of the Army Jephthah: Made Head of the Land of Gilead Jephthah: Recalled from the Land of Tob by the Elders of Gilead Related Terms |
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