“And it came to pass at the end of two months, that she returned unto her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel”
Context:Judges 11 tells the story of Jephthah, one of the judges of Israel. Jephthah made a vow to God before going into battle against the Ammonites, promising that if God granted him victory, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to meet him upon his return. Tragically, his only child, his daughter, was the one who greeted him upon his return.
The Vow of Jephthah:Jephthah’s vow reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of making vows to God in times of great need or distress. It demonstrates his commitment and desperation for victory in battle. However, it is important to note that making such vows was not a requirement or commandment from God. Jephthah made this vow out of his own volition.
Fulfillment of the Vow:After Jephthah’s victory, his daughter returns to him, and he fulfills his vow to God. The verse states that Jephthah did with her according to his vow. While the exact nature of what Jephthah did is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the text emphasizes that his daughter remained a virgin. It is important to understand that the fulfillment of this vow is seen as a solemn and tragic event rather than a commendable action.
Moral and Ethical Considerations:Jephthah’s vow raises significant moral and ethical questions. It is important to note that human sacrifice was strictly forbidden by God in Israelite law (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31). Jephthah’s vow seems to reflect his ignorance or misunderstanding of the law. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of hasty and unwise vows. The Bible does not explicitly commend or condemn Jephthah’s actions, but the account serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of making vows and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our decisions.
Cultural and Historical Context:The verse concludes by stating that the practice described was a custom in Israel. This indicates that the offering of a vow and its fulfillment, although not necessarily involving human sacrifice, was not unheard of during that period. It highlights the cultural and religious practices of the time but does not serve as an endorsement of those practices by God.
Application:Seek God’s Wisdom: Jephthah’s story reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in our decisions, especially in times of distress. It is crucial to base our actions on a clear understanding of God’s Word and His will for our lives. Be Careful with Vows: We should be cautious when making vows or promises to God. The Bible encourages us to let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no” (Matthew 5:37). Instead of making impulsive or rash vows, we should focus on cultivating a steadfast commitment to follow and honor God in all circumstances. Learn from Mistakes: Jephthah’s story also teaches us about the consequences of our mistakes and poor decisions. Even though Jephthah was a mighty warrior and judge, his lack of understanding of God’s law led to tragic consequences. We should learn from his example and strive to grow in our knowledge of God’s Word and apply it wisely in our
