36. So she said to him, “My father, if you have given your word to the LORD, do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, because the LORD has avenged you of your enemies, the people of Ammon.” Judges 11:36
Jephthah became the leader in Israel and asked the Lord to grant him victory over the Ammonites. There is an interesting history lesson in this chapter, but Jephthah is definitely the hero at this point. He made a vow to the Lord that if He would grant him victory, Jephthah would offer up to the Lord the first thing that came out of his door when he returned. The fact that he says ”thing” indicates that he wasn’t thinking it would be a person, but an animal. Sadly, when he came home his daughter came dancing out the door to meet him. Jephthah was serious in his vow and determined to keep it no matter the cost. His daughter apparently understood the seriousness of the vow as she willing yields to her father because of the victory given the Israelites.
This is an incredible story of commitment and total surrender to the will of God. I had to look at a commentary to see if he literally sacrificed her on an altar. It is said that he dedicated her to the temple where she served out her life as a virgin. I can’t imagine how Jephthah felt when he saw her, but I am more amazed that she complied so genuinely. Such faith and commitment from both of them is astounding! I committed my life totally to the Lord as a freshman at Olivet University. As I knelt at the chapel altar, I remembering quoting from Job,” If He slay me, yet will I serve Him” (Job 13:15) I have kept that commitment, although not perfectly. He has called me to repentance and correction many times over the years. The sincerity of my heart has not changed but become stronger since that day. I am still being called to repent and can trust Him to correct my faulty thinking and understanding as I continue to seek Him daily. I shall long remember this passage and the outstanding faith and commitment of this father and daughter.
Lord Jesus, thank you for this example of faithfulness of our promises to You. We live in a world that is full of lies and misinformation. A world where truth is hard to find and someone whom you can trust even harder. I am so thankful that I can trust You to not only fulfill Your promises but to encourage and help me to keep my promises(vows) to You. You know my heart and I pray that I will take seriously the promises I make and not be quick to just commit and promise without counting the cost. Help me to realize You will never ask me to do something against Your divine character or will. There is much here to ponder. Thank You for opening my eyes once again to Your truth.
Journey with Joyce 