Judges 11:37

She also said to her father, "Let me do this one thing: Let me wander for two months through the mountains with my friends and mourn my virginity."

Study Bible

She also said to her father
This phrase highlights the communication between Jephthah's daughter and her father, Jephthah. In the context of Judges 11, Jephthah had made a vow to the Lord to offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to greet him if he returned victorious from battle. His daughter was the first to greet him, leading to this tragic situation. The interaction underscores the importance of vows in ancient Israelite culture and the patriarchal nature of family dynamics.

Let me do this one thing
The request indicates a sense of agency and a desire to fulfill a personal need before the vow is carried out. It reflects the cultural practices of the time, where vows were taken seriously and had to be fulfilled, even at great personal cost. This request also shows the daughter's acceptance of her fate and her desire to prepare herself emotionally and spiritually.

Let me wander for two months
The two-month period suggests a time of preparation and reflection. In biblical times, periods of mourning and preparation were common, often involving specific time frames. This request for time indicates the daughter's understanding of the gravity of the situation and her desire to process it fully. The number two can symbolize witness or testimony in biblical numerology, perhaps indicating her life as a testimony to the seriousness of vows.

through the mountains
The mountains in biblical literature often symbolize places of encounter with God, refuge, or isolation. This setting provides a backdrop for reflection and mourning, away from the community. The geographical reference to the mountains may also suggest a place of solitude and contemplation, fitting for the daughter's purpose.

with my friends
The inclusion of friends in this request highlights the communal aspect of mourning and support. In ancient Israel, community and relationships were vital, and friends would play a significant role in providing comfort and companionship. This reflects the cultural importance of community in times of personal crisis.

and mourn my virginity
Mourning virginity in this context refers to lamenting the unfulfilled potential of marriage and motherhood, which were highly valued in ancient Israelite society. Virginity here symbolizes the loss of future prospects and the continuation of family lineage. This mourning is not just for her own life but for the societal expectations and roles she will never fulfill. The emphasis on virginity also connects to themes of purity and sacrifice, which can be seen as a type of Christ, who was the ultimate pure sacrifice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah's Daughter
The unnamed daughter of Jephthah, who becomes the central figure in this passage. She is known for her obedience and acceptance of her father's vow.

2. Jephthah
A judge of Israel who made a vow to the Lord that led to the sacrifice of his daughter. His account is a complex mix of faith, leadership, and tragic consequences.

3. The Hills
The location where Jephthah's daughter requests to go and mourn. This setting symbolizes a place of solitude and reflection.

4. The Vow
Jephthah's vow to God, which he made before a battle, promising to sacrifice whatever came out of his house to greet him if he returned victorious.

5. The Friends
The companions of Jephthah's daughter who join her in mourning. They represent community and shared grief.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Vows
This passage underscores the seriousness of making vows to God. It teaches us to consider our words and promises carefully, understanding the potential consequences.

Obedience and Sacrifice
Jephthah's daughter exemplifies obedience and acceptance of her fate. Her account challenges us to consider our own willingness to submit to God's will, even when it involves personal sacrifice.

Community in Grief
The presence of her friends highlights the importance of community support during times of sorrow. It reminds us to be present for others in their times of need.

Reflection and Mourning
The two months in the hills symbolize a period of reflection and mourning. This teaches us the value of taking time to process grief and seek God's presence in solitude.

Faith Amidst Tragedy
Despite the tragic outcome, Jephthah's account is one of faith. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when we do not understand it fully.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Jephthah's daughter's request to "roam the hills and weep" teach us about the importance of processing grief and seeking solitude with God?

2. How can we apply the lesson of being cautious with our vows and promises in our daily lives, especially in our commitments to God and others?

3. In what ways does the account of Jephthah's daughter challenge our understanding of obedience and sacrifice in our relationship with God?

4. How can we, as a community, better support those who are experiencing grief and loss, drawing from the example of Jephthah's daughter's friends?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation that required faith. How does Jephthah's account inspire you to trust in God's plan, even amidst uncertainty or tragedy?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The account of Abraham and Isaac, which also involves a father facing the potential sacrifice of a child, highlighting themes of faith and obedience.

1 Samuel 1
Hannah's vow and dedication of Samuel to the Lord, showing another instance of a vow impacting a child's life.

Hebrews 11
Jephthah is mentioned in the "Faith Hall of Fame," which provides context for understanding his actions within the broader account of faith.