Judges 11:30a And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD….
The commentary on this chapter has given me much to ponder. I interpreted Judges 11:30 as a positive thing. Commentary suggests that Jephthah was bargaining with God instead of honoring Him. In Judges 11:35, I thought he was fulfilling his promise to God, even though it cost him greatly. Commentary suggests that he should have realized that it was a foolish vow and understood that it should not be kept because it was foolish.
Judges 11:30b-31 “If You give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”
So now I’m pondering whether I bargain with God while I’m telling myself that I’m honoring Him. I’m thinking about rash, foolish promises to God and whether it is more faithful to keep them or to say, “Lord, I’m sorry for being rash in my promise and I realize following through is not the right thing to do here.” I have many things to ponder based on this chapter.
Judges 11:34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter…. She was an only child.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for the ability to read and study and draw closer to You. I feel like I have more questions than answers right now, but I know that if I seek You with my whole heart, I will find You. Always. (Jer 29:13). Draw me closer. Amen.
Judges 11:35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the LORD that I cannot break.”
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.