Judges 11:31
Jephthah lived during the period of the Judges (approximately 1370–1050 BC), a turbulent era when Israel lacked centralized leadership and repeatedly fell into oppression by neighboring peoples. Jephthah himself was called to deliver Israel from the sons of Ammon, a group descended from Ben-ammi who lived east of the Jordan River between the Arnon and Jabbok rivers and were often hostile to Israel (Genesis 19:38; Judges 3:13; 11:4) citeturn0file7. In desperate need of divine intervention, Jephthah turned to the LORD for victory, exemplifying the common Old Testament practice of making a solemn promise, or vow, in exchange for God’s help (Deuteronomy 23:21‑23) citeturn0file16.
As he prepared for battle, Jephthah uttered the vow recorded in Scripture: *“Then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering”* (v.31). By this promise, Jephthah committed himself to give to God—through sacrifice—whoever would first greet him upon his homecoming. While the text acknowledges Jephthah’s strong faith, it also reveals the gravity of such statements; once made, a vow in the Old Testament was binding (Judges 11:29‑33; Ecclesiastes 5:4‑5) citeturn0file16 citeturn0file6.
Tragically, Jephthah’s daughter was the first person to emerge from his house, prompting deep sorrow and debate among scholars about what precisely he fulfilled in offering her. Regardless of the interpretive details, this passage underscores how solemnly God took vows and how devotion to the LORD sometimes exceeded human expectations. The story also highlights the deliverance God brought to Israel through Jephthah’s leadership, as he subdued twenty cities of the Ammonites (Hebrews 11:32‑34) citeturn0file12, but it does so with a clear warning to weigh words carefully before making a pledge.
Jephthah’s vow demonstrates Israel’s dependence on God for victory while showing how a reckless promise can lead to heartbreaking consequences.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Exodus 31:1-11 meaning. The LORD specifies which Israelites were to construct the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
- Judges 4:12-16 meaning. This passage describes the climactic battle between Barak’s forces and Sisera’s army. Deborah urges Barak to act, affirming that God has already secured victory. As Barak leads his men into battle, God intervenes, routing Sisera’s forces. Sisera flees on foot while his entire army is destroyed.
- Genesis 21:31-34 meaning. Abraham names the place where he made an oath with Abimelech, “Beersheba.” After the covenant is made, Abraham plants a tree at Beersheba and prays to God.