Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is remembered as a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of the Ammonites. His account is found in Judges 11-12. Jephthah's narrative is marked by his humble beginnings, his rise to leadership, and the tragic vow that overshadowed his victory. Background and Early Life: Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers. They drove him away, and he settled in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers around him. Despite his outcast status, Jephthah was recognized for his valor and leadership abilities. Call to Leadership: When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turned to Jephthah for help. Initially hesitant due to his past rejection, Jephthah agreed to lead them on the condition that he would become their head if God granted him victory. The elders swore an oath before the LORD, affirming Jephthah's leadership. Diplomatic Efforts: Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. He sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, arguing that Israel had not taken Ammonite land but had instead conquered territory from the Amorites. Jephthah recounted Israel's history and God's role in their victories, but the Ammonite king ignored his message. The Vow and Victory: Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Jephthah advanced against the Ammonites. Before the battle, he made a vow to the LORD, saying, "If You will indeed deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering" (Judges 11:30-31). The LORD granted him victory, and he defeated the Ammonites decisively. The Tragic Vow: Upon returning home, Jephthah was met by his only child, his daughter, coming out to greet him with tambourines and dancing. The fulfillment of his vow required him to offer her as a burnt offering, a decision that brought him great sorrow. His daughter accepted her fate, requesting two months to mourn her virginity in the mountains. After this period, Jephthah fulfilled his vow, and she was offered to the LORD. Conflict with Ephraim: Following his victory, Jephthah faced internal strife with the tribe of Ephraim, who accused him of not calling them to fight against the Ammonites. Jephthah defended his actions, stating that he had called for their help, but they did not respond. The dispute escalated into a battle, resulting in the defeat of the Ephraimites. Death and Legacy: Jephthah judged Israel for six years before his death. He was buried in a town in Gilead. His account is a complex narrative of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash vows. Jephthah is listed among the faithful in Hebrews 11:32, highlighting his role as a deliverer of Israel despite his personal tragedy. Theological Reflections: Jephthah's life illustrates the themes of God's sovereignty, the importance of wise vows, and the consequences of human actions. His account serves as a reminder of the need for careful consideration before making commitments to God. Despite his flaws, Jephthah's faith and leadership were instrumental in delivering Israel from their enemies, showcasing God's ability to use imperfect individuals for His purposes. Easton's Bible Dictionary Jephthah's vow (Judges 11:30, 31). After a crushing defeat of the Ammonites, Jephthah returned to his own house, and the first to welcome him was his own daughter. This was a terrible blow to the victor, and in his despair he cried out, "Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low...I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and cannot go back." With singular nobleness of spirit she answered, "Do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth." She only asked two months to bewail her maidenhood with her companions upon the mountains. She utters no reproach against her father's rashness, and is content to yield her life since her father has returned a conqueror. But was it so? Did Jephthah offer up his daughter as a "burnt-offering"? This question has been much debated, and there are many able commentators who argue that such a sacrifice was actually offered. We are constrained, however, by a consideration of Jephthah's known piety as a true worshipper of Jehovah, his evident acquaintance with the law of Moses, to which such sacrifices were abhorrent (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 12:31), and the place he holds in the roll of the heroes of the faith in the Epistle to the Hebrews (11:32), to conclude that she was only doomed to a life of perpetual celibacy. Library Jephthah's Foolish Promise The Children's Bible The Kingdom Conquering Of the Death of the Martyrs Considered as a Sacrifice, and in what ... Index. Chapter xxii Esther's Venture After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress... The Third Commandment The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Thesaurus Jephthah's (1 Occurrence)...Jephthah's vow. ... After a crushing defeat of the Ammonites, Jephthah returned to his own house, and the first to welcome him was his own daughter. ... /j/jephthah's.htm - 8k Jephunneh (16 Occurrences) Games (2 Occurrences) Jephthah (26 Occurrences) Father (11359 Occurrences) Four (3139 Occurrences) Chemosh (8 Occurrences) Courts (59 Occurrences) Abelcheramim (1 Occurrence) Abel-keramim (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Jephthah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Did Jephthah sacrifice his daughter to the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Jephthah's (1 Occurrence)Judges 11:13 Subtopics Related Terms Wholeheartedly (15 Occurrences) Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences) Ka'desh-bar'nea (9 Occurrences) |
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