Jephthah, a judge of Israel, is a prominent biblical figure known for making a rash oath that had significant consequences. His account is primarily found in the Book of Judges, chapters 11 and 12. Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and his eventual settlement in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers around him (Judges 11:1-3).

Despite his outcast status, Jephthah was called upon by the elders of Gilead to lead them against the Ammonites, who were oppressing Israel. Before engaging in battle, 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 is often cited as an example of a rash oath, as Jephthah did not consider the potential implications of his promise. Upon his victorious return, his only child, a daughter, came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. The text records Jephthah's deep distress upon seeing her, as he realized the gravity of his vow: "When he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, 'Oh no, 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).

Jephthah's daughter, demonstrating remarkable submission and faith, asked for two months to mourn her virginity in the mountains with her friends. 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. Some suggest that Jephthah offered her as a literal burnt offering, while others propose that she was dedicated to lifelong service to the LORD, remaining unmarried and childless.

The account of Jephthah's vow serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of making oaths before God. It underscores the importance of careful consideration and the potential consequences of rash promises. The narrative also highlights the cultural and religious context of the time, where vows and oaths were binding and held significant weight.

Jephthah's account is a sobering reminder of the need for wisdom and discernment in making commitments, especially those made to God. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with making vows.Judges 11:30-36
And Jephthah vowed a vow to the LORD, and said, If you shall without fail deliver the children of Ammon into my hands,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... cast himself into the necessity of oaths, then did ... Likewise the use of rash swearing
will often engage a ... repentance, did the unadvised vow of Jephthah throw him ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

The Third Commandment
... at him; but such as are bastards, and not sons, care not though they shoot at him
in heaven with their oaths and curses ... Jephthah's vow was rash and unlawful ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Jephthah's vow allowed by God, [1381]434. ... 1412]343; his martyrdom a warning against
oaths, [1413]432 ... over others visited on ourselves, [1441]361; rash on others ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

What does the Bible say about keeping your vows / oaths? | GotQuestions.org

Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to let your yes be yes and your no be no? | GotQuestions.org

Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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