Judges 11:38

"Go," he said. And he sent her away for two months. So she left with her friends and mourned her virginity upon the mountains.

Study Bible

“Go,” he said.
This phrase reflects Jephthah's response to his daughter's request. Jephthah, a judge of Israel, had made a vow to the Lord that if he were victorious over the Ammonites, he would offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to greet him. His daughter was the first to come out, leading to this tragic situation. The word "Go" indicates Jephthah's reluctant consent to her request, showing his adherence to the vow despite the personal cost. This highlights the seriousness with which vows were taken in ancient Israel, as seen in Numbers 30:2, which emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's promises to God.

And he sent her away for two months.
Jephthah allows his daughter time to prepare for her fate, demonstrating a measure of compassion within the constraints of his vow. The two-month period signifies a time of reflection and mourning, which was customary in ancient cultures when facing impending loss. This time frame also underscores the gravity of the situation, as it was a period for both father and daughter to come to terms with the vow's consequences.

So she left with her friends
The mention of her friends accompanying her highlights the communal aspect of mourning and support in ancient Israelite society. It reflects the importance of community and relationships, especially in times of distress. This companionship provided emotional support and solidarity, which is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in the story of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17).

and mourned her virginity
The focus on mourning her virginity rather than her impending death suggests the cultural significance of marriage and childbearing in ancient Israel. Virginity was highly valued, and the inability to marry and bear children was seen as a significant loss. This reflects the societal expectations and roles of women during that time, where lineage and inheritance were crucial. The emphasis on virginity also connects to the broader biblical theme of purity and dedication to God.

upon the mountains.
Mountains in biblical literature often symbolize places of encounter with God, reflection, and revelation. The choice of the mountains as the setting for her mourning may indicate a desire for solitude and closeness to God during this time of personal trial. Mountains are frequently depicted as places of significant spiritual events, such as Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and Jesus' transfiguration on a high mountain (Matthew 17:1-2). This setting underscores the solemnity and gravity of her situation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jephthah
A judge of Israel who made a vow to the Lord, which led to the events described in this passage. He is a central figure in this account.

2. Jephthah's Daughter
The unnamed daughter of Jephthah, who is the subject of his vow. Her response to her father's vow is significant in this passage.

3. The Mountains
The location where Jephthah's daughter and her friends went to mourn. This setting is symbolic of isolation and reflection.

4. Jephthah's Vow
The vow made by Jephthah to offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house to meet him if he returned victorious from battle.

5. The Friends
The companions of Jephthah's daughter who joined her in mourning. They represent community and support in times of distress.

Teaching Points

The Weight of Vows
Vows made to God are serious and binding. We must consider the implications and consequences before making promises to the Lord.

Faith and Obedience
Jephthah's account challenges us to reflect on our faith and obedience to God, even when it involves personal sacrifice.

Community Support
The presence of Jephthah's daughter's friends highlights the importance of community and support during times of trial and mourning.

Reflection and Mourning
The two months spent in the mountains symbolize a period of reflection and mourning, which can be a necessary part of processing difficult situations.

The Role of Women
This passage invites us to consider the roles and voices of women in biblical accounts, often highlighting their strength and resilience.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Jephthah's vow about the importance of considering the consequences of our promises to God?

2. How does the account of Jephthah's daughter challenge our understanding of faith and sacrifice in our own lives?

3. In what ways can we support others in our community who are going through times of mourning or distress, as Jephthah's daughter's friends did?

4. How does the theme of obedience in Judges 11:38 connect with other biblical accounts of faith, such as Abraham and Isaac or Hannah and Samuel?

5. What insights can we gain about the role and portrayal of women in the Bible from the account of Jephthah's daughter, and how can this inform our understanding of gender roles in our faith communities today?

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, sacrifice, and obedience.

1 Samuel 1
The account of Hannah, who made a vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord. This illustrates the seriousness and consequences of vows made to God.

Psalm 15
This Psalm speaks about the character of those who may dwell with the Lord, including keeping oaths even when it hurts, which relates to Jephthah's situation.