Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is a prominent figure known for making a rash vow that had significant consequences. This account is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 11:29-40. Jephthah, a Gileadite and the son of a harlot, rose to leadership during a tumultuous period when Israel was oppressed by the Ammonites. Despite his questionable lineage, Jephthah was recognized for his valor and was chosen to lead Israel against their enemies.Before engaging in battle with the Ammonites, Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, seeking divine favor for victory. Judges 11:30-31 records his vow: "If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering." This vow is often described as rash due to its open-ended nature and the severe implications it carried. Jephthah's vow was made in a moment of desperation and zeal, reflecting a common practice in ancient times where vows were made to secure divine intervention. However, the lack of specificity in his vow led to unforeseen and tragic consequences. Upon his victorious return, Jephthah was met by his only child, his daughter, who came out to greet him with tambourines and dancing. Judges 11:34 poignantly describes the scene: "When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, there was his daughter coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. She was his only child; he had no other son or daughter." The fulfillment of Jephthah's vow required him to offer his daughter as a burnt offering, a decision that has been the subject of much theological debate and interpretation. Some scholars suggest that Jephthah's daughter was dedicated to lifelong service to the LORD, akin to a form of monastic life, rather than being literally sacrificed. However, the text in Judges 11:39 states, "After two months, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed. And she had never been intimate with a man," which implies the literal fulfillment of the vow. Jephthah's vow serves as a cautionary tale about the gravity and potential consequences of making vows to God without careful consideration. It underscores the importance of understanding the nature of vows and the need for wisdom and discernment in making commitments before the LORD. The narrative also highlights the cultural and religious context of the time, where vows were seen as binding and irrevocable, reflecting the seriousness with which they were regarded in ancient Israelite society. The account of Jephthah and his vow is a sobering reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with making promises to God. It invites reflection on the nature of faith, obedience, and the complexities of human decision-making in the pursuit of divine favor. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:29-40Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over to the children of Ammon. Nave's Topical Index Library Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. The Third Commandment Resources What is the Christian view of asceticism / monasticism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Society of Jesus? Who are the Jesuits, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org What is Jainism? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vows of Ananias and Sapphira, in the Dedication of the Proceeds of the Sale of Their Land Vows of Certain Jews With Paul Vows of Children Void Without the Consent of Parents Vows of Hannah, to Consecrate to the Lord the Child for Which She Prayed Vows of Job, not to Entertain Thoughts of Fornication Vows of Mariners Who Cast out Jonah Vows of Married Women Void Without Consent of Husbands Vows of the Jews, to Kill Paul Vows of the Mother of Micah, in the Dedication of Silver for the Making of an Idol Vows of Things Corrupt or Blemished an Insult to God Vows of Widows and Women Divorced from Their Husbands Binding Vows of Wives, Could Only be Objected to at the Time of Making Vows were Made in Reference to Afflicting the Soul Vows were Made in Reference to Dedicating Children to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting Property to God Vows were Made in Reference to Devoting the Person to God Vows were Made in Reference to Offering Sacrifices Vows: All Things Dedicated By, to be Brought to the Tabernacle Vows: Clean Beasts the Subjects of, not to be Redeemed Vows: Danger of Inconsiderately Making Vows: Edible Things offered In, to be Eaten the Same Day They Were offered Vows: Estimation of the Redemption Price of Things offered in Vows Vows: Might be Redeemed by Paying a Suitable Compensation Vows: Rash: The Israelites, to Destroy the Benjamites Vows: Solemn Promises Made to God Vows: The Hire of a Prostitute or Price of a Dog Could not be The Vows: The Redemption Price of the offering of Real Estate, to be Valued by the Priest Vows: Things Forbidden to be offered in Receipts of the Whore and the Price of a "Dog" Vows: Things offered In, to be Brought to the Tabernacle or Temple Vows: To be Performed Faithfully Vows: To be Performed Without Delay Vows: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Drink-offerings (31 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |