19 August 2021

And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, ‘If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return victorious from the Ammonites, shall be the Lord’s, to be offered up by me as a burnt-offering.’ 

Judges 11:29-39, NRSV

Jephthah did not have an easy passage in life. He was born to a mother considered to be a prostitute and subsequently exiled by his brothers who did not consider him worthy. During his time in exile, Jephthah grew in physical strength and influence and became known as a skilled and successful warrior. This made him useful to the Israelites who at the time were being oppressed by the Ammonites. Jephthah agreed to help the Israelites in return for an assurance of a position of leadership amongst a people from whom he had been outcast. Before going into battle, Jephthah made a well meant yet ill – considered vow to the Lord. The Lord who had supported and helped his people through many difficulties in their history did not need this vow to be made. Jephthah vowed that if he was granted victory in battle, he would sacrifice whoever came out of his door first to greet him on his return. Sadly, the first person to greet him after his victory was his daughter – his only child. Child sacrifice was still prevalent at the time but was forbidden in the Mosaic Law and not part of God’s plan. However, having made his vow, Jephthah felt honour bound to keep it. In the process, Jephthah lost far more than he had hoped to gain.

• • What do you think motivated Jephthah to make his vow?
  • Does God ever require us to make vows or promises?

Pray for the trust to accept that God will give gladly and freely the help we need.