Jephthah
“He opens, or he will open”
Summary
A judge of Israel, son of Gilead by a harlot, who delivered Israel from the Ammonites and is remembered for his rash vow concerning his daughter.
☩Early Life
Jephthah was the son of Gilead by a prostitute (Judges 11:1). Driven out by his legitimate half-brothers who refused him any inheritance, he fled to the land of Tob where he gathered a band of adventurers and became renowned as a mighty warrior (Judges 11:2-3). When the Ammonites threatened Israel, the elders of Gilead sought Jephthah to be their commander, promising to make him head over all Gilead if he was victorious (Judges 11:4-11).
☩Victory and Vow
Before battle, Jephthah attempted diplomacy, sending messengers to the Ammonite king with historical arguments for Israel's right to the disputed land (Judges 11:12-28). When negotiations failed, the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he made a vow: whatever first came from his house to meet him upon his victorious return would be offered to the LORD (Judges 11:29-31). He won a great victory over the Ammonites (Judges 11:32-33). Tragically, his only child—his daughter—came out first to meet him. Though the precise nature of her sacrifice is debated, Jephthah kept his vow, and she 'knew no man' (Judges 11:34-40). He judged Israel six years before his death (Judges 12:7).