Judges 11:35

As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, "No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back."

Study Bible

As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes
Tearing one's clothes was a traditional expression of grief and mourning in ancient Israel, seen in other biblical accounts such as Jacob mourning for Joseph (Genesis 37:34) and David mourning for Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:11). This act signifies the depth of Jephthah's distress upon realizing the consequences of his vow.

and said, “No! Not my daughter!
Jephthah's exclamation reveals his shock and despair. His daughter was his only child, which is significant in a culture where lineage and inheritance were crucial. This moment underscores the personal cost of his vow and highlights the tension between his duty to God and his love for his daughter.

You have brought me to my knees!
This phrase indicates Jephthah's overwhelming sense of defeat and helplessness. It reflects the cultural importance of honor and the devastating impact of personal loss. Jephthah's leadership and victory in battle are overshadowed by this personal tragedy.

You have brought great misery upon me,
The misery Jephthah refers to is both personal and communal. As a leader, his actions affect not only his family but also his standing among the people. This phrase also echoes the broader theme of the Book of Judges, where the consequences of Israel's actions often lead to suffering and turmoil.

for I have given my word to the LORD
Jephthah's vow to God was made in the context of seeking divine favor for victory over the Ammonites. Vows were taken seriously in ancient Israel, as seen in Numbers 30:2, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises to God. This highlights the tension between human intention and divine expectation.

and cannot take it back.”
The irrevocability of vows is a key theme in this passage. Jephthah's statement reflects the seriousness with which vows were regarded, as breaking a vow to God was considered a grave sin. This phrase also points to the broader biblical principle of the sanctity of one's word, as seen in Ecclesiastes 5:4-5. The narrative invites reflection on the nature of vows and the wisdom of making rash promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel, known for his vow to God and his subsequent actions. He was a mighty warrior and the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute, which led to his initial rejection by his family.

2. Jephthah's Daughter
The unnamed daughter of Jephthah, who becomes the subject of his tragic vow. Her obedience and acceptance of her fate are notable.

3. Mizpah
The place where Jephthah lived and where he made his vow to the Lord. It is significant as a site of assembly and decision-making in Israel.

4. The Vow
Jephthah made a vow to the Lord that if he were given victory over the Ammonites, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of the doors of his house to meet him upon his return.

5. The Ammonites
The enemies of Israel at the time, whom Jephthah was called to fight against. Their oppression of Israel led to Jephthah's rise as a leader.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Our Words
Jephthah's account reminds us of the power and responsibility of our words, especially when making promises to God. We should be cautious and thoughtful about the commitments we make.

The Cost of Rash Decisions
Jephthah's vow was made in haste and without full consideration of the potential consequences. This teaches us to seek wisdom and discernment before making significant decisions.

Faithfulness to God
Despite the tragic outcome, Jephthah's commitment to fulfilling his vow demonstrates a deep sense of duty and faithfulness to God, which is a challenging yet important aspect of our spiritual walk.

The Role of Sacrifice
The account invites reflection on the nature of sacrifice in our lives. While Jephthah's sacrifice was literal, we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as our time, talents, and resources, in service to God.

Trust in God's Provision
Like Abraham, who trusted God to provide a ram in place of Isaac, we are encouraged to trust in God's provision and guidance, even in difficult situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jephthah's account about the importance of considering the consequences before making vows or promises?

2. How does Jephthah's response to his daughter's fate reflect his understanding of faithfulness and obedience to God?

3. In what ways does the account of Jephthah and his daughter challenge us to think about the nature of sacrifice in our own lives?

4. How can we apply the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 to our daily lives when it comes to making commitments or promises?

5. Reflect on a time when you made a significant decision or commitment. How did you seek God's guidance, and what was the outcome?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, where Abraham is tested by God to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This connection highlights themes of faith, obedience, and the seriousness of vows to God.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
These verses discuss the importance of fulfilling vows made to God, emphasizing that it is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus teaches about making oaths, advising against swearing oaths altogether and instead letting one's 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and 'No,' 'No.'