Day 24

Judges 11-13

KEEP YOUR WORD

I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it – Josh. 11:35

            The episode of Jepthah’s vow is one of the most shocking and confusing narratives in the entire Bible.  Jephthah was the product of an illicit sexual relationship with his father and a prostitute.  Jephthah’s rejection by his brothers and his village is understandable, yet sad (11:1-2).  His chosen life as a brigand is really no surprise.  What does get our attention is the willingness of this ruffian to return home and lead the Gileadites against the Ammonite invaders.  This scrapper was infamous for fighting his adversaries.   He was overflowing with rage and hostility that could be redirected toward a more worthy enemy.

            Jephthah made a bold decision to judge Israel, and it took a work of God to change his attitude toward his tormentors.  After consenting to be the man we read, Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah…and Jephthah made a vow to the Lord.  He promised to offer it up as a burnt offering the first thing that came to meet him after he returned home from victory.  To his shock his daughter and only child met him in celebration of the Israelite victory.

            Was this not grounds for rescinding the promise?  Jephthah’s honor would not permit it.  We’re unsure how the story played out.  Human sacrifice was forbidden in Israel so she probably lived a life devoted to God, joining other women who served full-time at the tabernacle. She submitted willingly, asking only for a period of time to bewail her virginity, because she would never marry. 

            When we are tempted to break our vows we need to remember Jephthah.  Obviously Jephthah expected an animal of the flock or herd to meet him.  He promised to offer “it.”  God was in control.  He knew what He was doing.  He could have caused anything other than Jephthah’s daughter to meet him.  Instead he offered her. 

            Be careful with vows.  We have no legal responsibility to God until we make the vow (neither did Jephthah).  Grace is the order of our lives.  But, when we make a promise to God or men we need to keep it.  Don’t make it!  Don’t break it!

Virtue without vows,