“And she said unto her father, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may go up and down upon the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my fellows.”
Judges 11:37 is part of the account of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel. Jephthah made a vow to the Lord before going into battle with the Ammonites, promising that if God granted him victory, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to greet him upon his return. Tragically, his daughter, his only child, came out to meet him with timbrels and dances. In this verse, Jephthah’s daughter is speaking to her father after learning about his vow and its consequences. She asks for a two-month period to go and mourn her virginity with her friends upon the mountains. This request arises from the fact that, as she was dedicated to God, she would never marry or have children, which she laments. This passage raises several points worth considering:
Vows in the Bible:Jephthah’s vow reflects a common practice in the Old Testament, where individuals made vows to God, often in times of distress or to seek divine favour. However, this particular vow, involving the sacrifice of a human, is controversial and not in line with God’s commandments.
The Importance of Fulfilling Vows:In biblical times, vows were taken seriously and expected to be fulfilled. Jephthah’s daughter acknowledges the vow made by her father and accepts the consequences. While the vow itself was flawed, her commitment to honour it is evident.
The Value of Virginity:The mention of bewailing her virginity suggests that virginity was highly regarded in ancient Israelite culture. In this context, the lamentation is not about losing her life but rather her opportunity for marriage, children, and the continuation of her family line.
The Emotional Impact:Jephthah’s daughter asks for time to mourn and grieve. This shows the emotional weight and personal sacrifice she is willing to make for the sake of her father’s vow. Her request to go up and down upon the mountains signifies a desire for solitude and reflection during this period.
It is essential to approach this passage with cultural and historical context in mind. The narrative highlights the consequences of hasty vows and the deep devotion some individuals had towards fulfilling their commitments, even in difficult circumstances. It is also worth noting that this passage is not prescriptive but rather descriptive of an event in biblical history. It does not provide a moral endorsement of human sacrifice or justify such actions.
