And she said vnto her father, Let this thing be done for me: Let me alone two moneths, that I may goe vp and downe vpon the mountaines, and bewaile my virginitie, I, and my fellowes. Judges 11:37 (KJV)
Judges 11:37 occurs within the tragic narrative of Jephthah, one of Israel’s judges. Before confronting the Ammonites, Jephthah made a solemn vow to the Lord, promising that if God granted him victory he would offer as a burnt offering whatever first emerged from his house to greet him on his return. The heartbreaking fulfillment of that vow is revealed when his only child, a young woman, comes out with timbrels and dances.
In this verse the daughter, having learned of her father’s vow and its dire consequence, addresses him and requests a two‑month period. She asks to be left alone so that she may “go up and down upon the mountains” and bewail her virginity with her companions. Her plea reflects the reality that she will never marry or bear children, a loss that she mourns more than the loss of her own life.
The passage raises several important themes. Vows were a common Old‑Testament practice, often made in distress or to seek divine favor, and were expected to be fulfilled. However, Jephthah’s vow, which implied human sacrifice, is controversial and runs contrary to the biblical prohibition against offering humans to God. While the vow itself was flawed, the daughter’s willingness to honor it demonstrates a profound sense of personal sacrifice and devotion.
The emphasis on “bewailing my virginity” underscores the high value placed on virginity and the continuation of family lineage in ancient Israelite culture. The lament is therefore centered on the loss of marriage, offspring, and the future of her family line rather than merely on death.
Her request to wander the mountains signifies a desire for solitude, reflection, and communal mourning with her friends. This cultural detail reminds readers to interpret the narrative within its historical setting, recognizing the emotional weight carried by both father and daughter.
Ultimately, the story serves as a cautionary illustration of the consequences of hasty or ill‑considered vows and highlights the depth of devotion some individuals exhibited toward fulfilling their commitments, even when faced with tragic outcomes.
