“And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the Lord hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.”
Context:The book of Judges is set during a time of transition for the people of Israel, after Joshua’s leadership and before the establishment of kings. The Israelites had a cycle of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 11 tells the story of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel, who made a vow to God in order to secure victory over the Ammonites.
Jephthah’s vow:Jephthah made a hasty vow to God, promising that if the Lord would deliver the Ammonites into his hands, he would offer as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of his house upon his return. Unfortunately, the first thing to come out of his house was his daughter, his only child.
A father’s dilemma:When Jephthah’s daughter learned of the vow, she displayed a remarkable spirit of submission to God’s will. She recognised the seriousness of the vow and acknowledged that her father must fulfil it, even though it meant her own sacrifice. She said, “do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth.”
God’s vengeance:The daughter’s response also highlights the understanding that God had granted Jephthah victory over his enemies, the Ammonites. She recognised that the Lord had taken vengeance for her father against their enemies. It is important to note that the Bible does not explicitly endorse or approve of Jephthah’s vow, but it records the events as they unfolded.
Lessons and reflections:Judges 11:36 raises several important considerations. First, it shows the consequences of making rash vows or promises to God. We should be careful in making commitments to the Lord and seek His guidance and wisdom. Second, it demonstrates the importance of keeping one’s word, even if the consequences are difficult. Jephthah’s daughter understood the gravity of the vow and accepted its fulfilment. Lastly, it reminds us of the sovereignty of God. Despite the questionable nature of the vow, God still brought victory to Israel, fulfilling His purpose in delivering them from their enemies.
In summary, Judges 11:36 highlights Jephthah’s daughter’s acceptance of her father’s vow and her recognition of God’s role in granting victory to Israel. It serves as a reminder to be cautious in making commitments to God and to trust in His sovereignty even in difficult circumstances.
