Jephthah’s Foolish Vow
Jephthah’s foolish vow is found in Judges 11:1-40. Impulsive, foolish words, said without thinking. And then followed by tragic actions. That’s the story of Jephthah. Here’s the vow he made, its consequences, and some lessons from it.
Jephthah’s foolish vow. Don’t bargain with God
And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, ‘If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace… shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. (ESV, Judges 11:30–31)
When God assigns us to a spiritual mission, he provides the resources we need. Sometimes, God confirms his call with a sign, but most often, he simply expects us to trust and obey.
In this story, Jephthah went beyond reassurance and tried to bargain with God to ensure an outcome. Rather than seeking God’s will, he tried to manipulate God to his will. Sound familiar? This is never a good idea and a recipe for disaster. It’s also helpful to keep in mind that God doesn’t call us to serve him because he needs our help. But to bless us with an opportunity to glorify him.
Who is Jephthah?
The period of time in Israel’s history between Joshua’s death and the rule of King Saul is known as the time of the Judges. It was a spiritually dark and politically unstable time when Israel was surrounded by hostile nations who sought to conquer and oppress it. Judges were primarily military leaders that God raised up to protect and deliver the nation.
Jephthah was the son of a prostitute who was rejected by his half-brothers and eventually associated with men of illrepute. A self-fulfilled prophecy of worthlessness. Except for one exceptional attribute. He was a skillful warrior. And when the people who rejected him were threatened by enemies, they turned to Jephthah for help.
Let’s root for Jephthah!
The underdog and social reject. Suddenly with the chance to be a hero. Step up for God and become another feel good, Bible success story.
Except in real life, Bible heros are often flawed and uncertain. Wondering if they’re simply God’s pity pick. But that’s exactly how God often works. He surprises us by making our last pick his first. And using the ones everyone else rejects to further the Kingdom of God. Because God prefers availability over ability.
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)
To go from zero to hero probably caught Jephthah by surprise. So it makes sense he would seek validation. Divine assurance. And he sought to bargain with and manipulate God. However, that’s when he stepped into the bad idea zone.
Jephthah’s foolish vow. Think before you speak.
“And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD and said, ‘If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace… shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.’” (ESV, Judges 11:30–31)
Seriously, Jephthah. You will sacrifice the first thing to come out of your house? Why not what comes out of the old shed next to the house? The creek out back? And what did you expect to come out of your house anyway? A mouse? Snake? Your mother-in-law? Perhaps in all his fights, Jephthah got whacked in the head too many times with a dumb stick.
Because the first thing to exit his home and greet him when he arrived was his young daughter and only child.
And while we shake our heads at such a ridiculous scenario, are we without sin? Have we not also made foolish claims and then doubled down on them with actions that make things worse? To admit foolishness, requires humility. And willingly confront our sin, confess it, and seek God’s forgiveness.
Jephthah’s foolish vow. Don’t follow foolish words with a sinful action
And he did with her according to his vow. (ESV, Judges 11:39)
God forbids human sacrifice in Leviticus 18:21, Deuteronomy 12:31, and 2 Kings 16:3. And a personal vow–especially a foolish one–does not take priority over God’s law. And yet, strangely, Jephthah felt bound by his oath and went through with it even though it broke God’s law. Did he really think it was a noble form of integrity?
Not at all. It represented both foolish words and warped thinking that was driven by pride. The same thing that drives our foolish words and sinful actions. However, godly humility leads to confession and repentance. The story illustrates the importance of measuring our words against God’s word and adjusting our actions accordingly.
Don’t make vows at all
Jesus said to avoid vows completly and simply use “yes” and “no.” We kid ourselves to think adding vows carries more weight in truthfulness. That only happens when our actions support our words. A reputation for integrity is built on consistent, righteous living. Not vows.
Fortunately, God did except one human sacrifice. His Son, Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself on a cross for our sins.
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (ESV, Ephesians 5:2)
Through Jesus, we are forgiven of our sins, made right with God, and presented the gift of eternal life. The tragic story of Jephthah’s foolish vow points us to the Gospel of Jesus. Where his sacrifice offers us new life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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