Topical Encyclopedia Jephthah, a significant figure in the Book of Judges, is often remembered for his role as a judge of Israel and his demonstration of religious zeal, albeit with a tragic outcome. His account is primarily found in Judges 11-12, where he emerges as a leader during a tumultuous period in Israel's history.Background and Rise to Leadership Jephthah was the son of Gilead and a prostitute, which led to his rejection by his half-brothers and his eventual exile from his father's house. Despite his ignoble beginnings, Jephthah became a valiant warrior and gathered around him a band of adventurers in the land of Tob (Judges 11:1-3). When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turned to Jephthah for help, recognizing his military prowess. They offered him leadership over Gilead if he would lead them to victory against their enemies (Judges 11:4-6). Negotiation and Vow Before engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to negotiate with the king of the Ammonites, reminding him of Israel's history and their right to the land they occupied (Judges 11:12-27). However, the king of Ammon disregarded Jephthah's message, leading to inevitable conflict. In a moment of fervent religious zeal, 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 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). This vow, made in the heat of impending battle, would later have profound personal consequences. Victory and Tragic Fulfillment of the Vow Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Jephthah led the Israelites to a decisive victory over the Ammonites, subduing twenty of their cities (Judges 11:32-33). Upon his triumphant return, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet 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 (Judges 11:34-35). Jephthah's daughter, demonstrating her own piety and submission, asked for two months to mourn her virginity in the mountains with her friends. After this period, Jephthah fulfilled his vow, and she was offered to the LORD (Judges 11:36-39). This event led to the establishment of a custom in Israel where the daughters of Israel would commemorate Jephthah's daughter for four days each year (Judges 11:40). Legacy and Further Conflict Jephthah's tenure as a judge lasted six years, during which he also dealt with internal strife among the tribes of Israel. The Ephraimites, feeling slighted for not being called to fight against the Ammonites, confronted Jephthah, leading to a conflict that resulted in the death of many Ephraimites (Judges 12:1-6). Jephthah's account is a complex narrative of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash vows. His religious zeal, while leading to military success, also serves as a cautionary tale about the gravity of vows made to God. His life and actions are a testament to the intricate interplay of faith, leadership, and the human condition in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index Judges 11:30,31,34-39And 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 Homilies on the Statues. After the Whole People had Been Freed from all Distress... Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. The First Kings. To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Paul in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why did He cleanse the temple? | GotQuestions.org Zeal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: David Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Elijah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Israelites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehoiada Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Jehu Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Josiah Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Moses and Levites Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Phinehas Religious Zeal in Punishing Evil People: Samuel Religious Zeal without Knowledge Religious Zeal: Andrew and Philip Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: Paul and Barnabas Religious Zeal: Peter Rebuking Jesus Religious Zeal: The Healed Deaf-Mute Man Religious Zeal: The Restored Leper Religious Zeal: Two Blind Men Proclaiming the Miracle of Healing Zeal: Provokes Others to do Good Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Glory of God Zeal: should be Exhibited for the Welfare of Saints Zeal: should be Exhibited in Contending for the Faith Zeal: should be Exhibited in Desiring the Salvation of Others Zeal: should be Exhibited in Missionary Labours Zeal: should be Exhibited in Spirit Zeal: should be Exhibited in Well-Doing Zeal: should be Exhibited: Against Idolatry Zeal: Sometimes not According to Knowledge Zeal: Sometimes Wrongly Directed Zeal: Ungodly Men Sometimes Pretend To Related Terms |
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