As [Jephthah] approached his home [following his great victory] the maidens of the town came forth, according to the custom of the time, to greet the mighty man of valour with songs and dances. In this way, Miriam and the women of Israel had celebrated the destruction of Pharaoh’s host in the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20); and later, David’s victories over the Philistines were acclaimed in the same fashion (1 Samuel 18:6).
But now, to his consternation and grief, Jephthah beheld amongst them his own daughter, and he who should have been enjoying the victor’s triumph rent his clothes: “Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back.”
However Jephthah’s vow be understood, that last phrase shows what a sterling character he was. “I cannot go back!” Come what may, his vow to God must be performed. Jephthah swore to his own hurt, and changed not. “He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” For this Jephthah’s name is inscribed in the Lord’s “roll of honour” in Hebrews 11 amongst those who glorified God by their faith.
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Author: Harry A. Whittaker
Keywords: Jephthah's Daughter, Human sacrifice, Jephthah killed his daughter, Jephthah sacrificed his daughter, Virginity, rash vow, vow, Jephthah's vow, daughter of Jephthah, Jephthah daughter, Jephthae, Jephthah, Jephthah's sacrifice
Bible reference(s): Judges 11:30-31, Judges 11:35-40, Heb 11:32
Source: “Judges and Ruth”.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.