Judges 11:31
then whatever comes out the door of my house to greet me on my triumphant return from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering."
then whatever comes out the door of my house
In ancient Israel, homes often had a central courtyard where animals were kept, making it possible for an animal to be the first to come out. However, the ambiguity of "whatever" suggests Jephthah might have been thinking of a human, possibly a servant, as well. This reflects the seriousness of vows in the ancient Near Eastern culture, where words held significant power and were binding.

to greet me on my triumphant return
Victory in battle was seen as a sign of divine favor. Jephthah's expectation of a triumphant return indicates his confidence in God's support against the Ammonites. This reflects the cultural practice of celebrating military victories with processions and offerings, a common occurrence in the ancient world.

from the Ammonites
The Ammonites were descendants of Lot and often in conflict with Israel. This historical enmity is rooted in territorial disputes and differing religious practices. The conflict with the Ammonites in Judges 11 highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's disobedience and deliverance, a central theme in the Book of Judges.

will belong to the LORD
This phrase indicates a dedication to God, which in the context of the Old Testament, often meant setting something apart for divine use. The concept of belonging to the LORD is seen in various forms, such as the consecration of the firstborn (Exodus 13:2) and the Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21).

and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.”
Burnt offerings were a common form of sacrifice in the Old Testament, symbolizing atonement and complete surrender to God. The gravity of Jephthah's vow is underscored by the irreversible nature of a burnt offering, which was entirely consumed by fire. This reflects the seriousness with which vows were regarded and the potential for tragic outcomes when made rashly. The story of Jephthah's daughter, which follows, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of such vows.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel, known for his vow to God and his victory over the Ammonites. He is a central figure in this account, demonstrating both faith and tragic error.

2. The Ammonites
A neighboring nation of Israel, often in conflict with them. Jephthah's vow is made in the context of seeking victory over this enemy.

3. Mizpah
The place where Jephthah lived and from where he led Israel against the Ammonites. It is significant as the location of his vow.

4. Jephthah's Daughter
The first to come out of Jephthah's house, becoming the unintended subject of his vow. Her account highlights themes of sacrifice and obedience.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, to whom Jephthah makes his vow. The account explores themes of devotion and the seriousness of vows made to God.
Teaching Points
The Seriousness of Vows
Vows made to God are not to be taken lightly. Jephthah's account serves as a cautionary tale about making rash promises without considering the consequences.

Faith and Folly
Jephthah's faith in seeking God's help is commendable, but his lack of wisdom in making the vow shows the need for discernment in our commitments to God.

God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While God is sovereign and can work through our actions, we are responsible for our decisions and their outcomes.

The Cost of Victory
Jephthah's victory over the Ammonites came at a personal cost, reminding us that triumphs in life may require sacrifices and should be approached with humility and foresight.

The Role of Women in Scripture
Jephthah's daughter exemplifies obedience and sacrifice, prompting reflection on the often-overlooked contributions and experiences of women in biblical accounts.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from Jephthah's vow about the importance of thinking before we speak, especially in our commitments to God?

2. How does the account of Jephthah and his daughter challenge or affirm your understanding of faith and sacrifice?

3. In what ways does Jephthah's account connect with the account of Abraham and Isaac, and what does this teach us about God's provision?

4. How can we apply the lessons from Jephthah's life to our own decision-making processes, particularly in spiritual matters?

5. Reflect on a time when you made a promise or commitment to God. How did you ensure that you fulfilled it, and what impact did it have on your faith journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, which also involves a test of faith and a potential sacrifice, providing a backdrop for understanding vows and divine intervention.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Discusses the importance of fulfilling vows made to God, emphasizing the gravity of Jephthah's commitment.

Leviticus 27
Offers insight into the laws regarding vows and dedications, which can help understand the cultural and religious context of Jephthah's actions.

Hebrews 11:32-34
Mentions Jephthah among the heroes of faith, highlighting his role in God's plan despite his flawed vow.
Different Views Held as to Jephthah's VowL. H. Wiseman, M. A.Judges 11:1-33
JephthahW. G. Blaikie, D. D.Judges 11:1-33
Jephthah's VowT. Taylor, D. D.Judges 11:1-33
Why are Ye Come unto Me Now When Ye are in Distress?J. Parker, D. D.Judges 11:1-33
The Spirit of Sacred WarfareA.F. Muir Judges 11:29-33
Jephthah's VowA.F. Muir Judges 11:30, 31, 34-40
Jephthah's VowW.F. Adeney Judges 11:30-40
People
Abel, Ammonites, Amorites, Balak, Chemosh, Israelites, Jephthah, Manasseh, Sihon, Zippor
Places
Abel-keramim, Ammon, Arnon, Aroer, Edom, Egypt, Gilead, Heshbon, Jabbok River, Jahaz, Jordan River, Kadesh-barnea, Minnith, Mizpah, Moab, Red Sea, Tob
Topics
Ammon, Ammonites, Bene-ammon, Burned, Burnt, Burnt-offering, Door, Doors, Forth, Lord's, Meet, Meeting, Offer, Offered, Offering, Peace, Return, Sacrifice, Sons, Surely, Triumph, Turning, Victorious, Whatever, Whatsoever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Judges 11:31

     7435   sacrifice, in OT

Judges 11:28-40

     8644   commemoration

Judges 11:29-40

     5468   promises, human

Judges 11:30-31

     5925   rashness

Judges 11:30-35

     5803   carelessness

Judges 11:30-40

     5741   vows

Library
Whether a Vow Should Always be About a Better Good?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow need not be always about a better good. A greater good is one that pertains to supererogation. But vows are not only about matters of supererogation, but also about matters of salvation: thus in Baptism men vow to renounce the devil and his pomps, and to keep the faith, as a gloss observes on Ps. 75:12, "Vow ye, and pay to the Lord your God"; and Jacob vowed (Gn. 28:21) that the Lord should be his God. Now this above all is necessary for salvation. Therefore
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
1. Some general principles with regard to the nature of vows. Superstitious errors not only of the heathen, but of Christians, in regard to vows. 2. Three points to be considered with regard to vows. First, to whom the vow is made--viz. to God. Nothing to be vowed to him but what he himself requires. 3. Second, Who we are that vow. We must measure our strength, and have regard to our calling. Fearful errors of the Popish clergy by not attending to this. Their vow of celibacy. 4. Third point to be
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient,
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
^D John II. 1-11. ^d 1 And the third day [From the calling of Philip (John i. 43). The days enumerated in John's first two chapters constitute a week, and may perhaps be intended as a contrast to the last week of Christ's ministry ( John xii. 1). It took two days to journey from the Jordan to Cana] there was a marriage [In Palestine the marriage ceremony usually began at twilight. The feast after the marriage was at the home of the bridegroom, and was sometimes prolonged for several days (Gen. xxix.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ
IT needs no proof that Luke attached the highest importance to this part of his narrative. That Jesus was indicated from the beginning as the Messiah -- though not a necessary part of his life and work, and wholly omitted by Mark and only briefly indicated in mystical language by John -- was a highly interesting and important fact in itself, and could not fail to impress the historian. The elaboration and detail of the first two chapters of the Gospel form a sufficient proof that Luke recognized
Sir William Mitchell Ramsay—Was Christ Born in Bethlehem?

Judges
For the understanding of the early history and religion of Israel, the book of Judges, which covers the period from the death of Joshua to the beginning of the struggle with the Philistines, is of inestimable importance; and it is very fortunate that the elements contributed by the later editors are so easily separated from the ancient stories whose moral they seek to point. That moral is most elaborately stated in ii. 6-iii. 6, which is a sort of programme or preface to iii. 7-xvi. 31, which constitutes
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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