Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jephthah and the consecration of his daughter is a poignant narrative found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 11:29-40. Jephthah, a Gileadite and a mighty warrior, was called upon to lead Israel against the Ammonites. Before engaging in battle, Jephthah 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 on my 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 Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he advanced against the Ammonites, securing a decisive victory. Upon his return to Mizpah, his daughter, his only child, came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. The sight of her filled Jephthah with anguish, as he realized the gravity of his vow. He lamented, "Oh no, 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" (Judges 11:35). Jephthah's daughter, demonstrating remarkable submission and faith, responded, "My father, you have given your word to the LORD. Do to me as you have promised, since the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the Ammonites" (Judges 11:36). She requested a two-month reprieve to wander the hills and weep with her friends because she would never marry. After this period, she returned to her father, and he fulfilled his vow. The narrative does not explicitly state the nature of the fulfillment of Jephthah's vow, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest that Jephthah's daughter was offered as a literal burnt offering, while others propose that she was consecrated to a life of perpetual virginity, serving at the tabernacle. The latter interpretation aligns with the cultural and religious context of Israel, where human sacrifice was abhorred and contrary to the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:21; Deuteronomy 12:31). The account of Jephthah and his daughter is a sobering reminder of the seriousness of vows made to God and the potential consequences of rash promises. It underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom and guidance before making commitments, especially those that may have profound and irreversible implications. The account also highlights the themes of faith, obedience, and sacrifice, as exemplified by Jephthah's daughter, who willingly accepted her fate in fulfillment of her father's vow to the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:30,31,34-40And Jephthah vowed a vow to the LORD, and said, If you shall without fail deliver the children of Ammon into my hands, Nave's Topical Index Library Perpetual Covenants A Cloud of Witnesses. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Esther's Venture Against Jovinianus. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What does the Bible say about consecration? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org What is transubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Consecration: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Consecration: Abraham, of Isaac Consecration: David Consecrates the Water Obtained by his Valiant Warriors Consecration: Hannah, of Samuel Consecration: Jephthah, of his Daughter Consecration: Zichri, of Himself Related Terms Consecration-offering (3 Occurrences) Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Guilt-offering (34 Occurrences) |
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