Judges 11:38
In this passage, we see Jephthah’s daughter proceeding with the terms of her father’s vow: *“Then he said, ‘Go.’ So he sent her away for two months; and she left with her companions, and wept on the mountains because of her virginity.” (v.38)* Her father, Jephthah, was serving as a judge in Israel, an era traditionally placed around 1100-1050 BC. He had vowed that if he were victorious in battle, he would dedicate the first thing that came out of his house to the LORD (Judges 11:30-31 NASB-95). When his only child greeted him upon his return, Jephthah felt compelled to keep his word, thus leading to this poignant scene. The mountains mentioned here are part of the hilly landscape of Gilead in the region east of the Jordan River. Gilead featured rugged terrain where pastoral life flourished, and it provided a secluded place for the young woman and her friends to lament her impending loss of the opportunity to marry and carry on her lineage.
*“He said, ‘Go.’ So he sent her away for two months” (v.38)* also reflects the compassion her father extended in granting space for her to grieve. She was not forced immediately to fulfill the vow but was allowed a respectful period of two months. This interval underscores the significance of her virginity in the ancient Israelite context, where family lines and inheritances carried critical weight. She “wept on the mountains” (v.38) with her companions, illustrating the depth of sorrow over what had been taken from her by the vow’s consequence. Throughout scripture, there is an emphasis on the importance of faithfulness to one’s word (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NASB-95), yet the tragic element here cautions readers about making hasty promises to God.
Moreover, the profound cost of Jephthah’s promise prefigures how serious it is to dedicate oneself wholly to the LORD. In the New Testament, Jesus reminds His followers that wholehearted devotion also requires sacrifice (Luke 14:27 NASB-95). This passage echoes the idea that while God honors sincere worship, His people ought to be wise and thoughtful in their commitments. Jephthah’s daughter, though unnamed, remains a glimpse into unwavering faith, as she agrees to the vow’s consequences without rebellion against her father.
This verse demonstrates the deep emotional impact of vows and the importance of measured words.
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:
- Genesis 19:34-38 meaning. The next day, the older sister convinced the younger sister to do what she had done the night before. Again, Lot was given too much wine and the younger daughter had sexual relations with him. Lot was unaware of this event also.
- Judges 5:19-23 meaning. In the final part of the song of Deborah and Barak, they continue to celebrate Israel's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The narrative shifts to a poetic description of the battle and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.
- Acts 11:19-26 meaning. Gentiles in Antioch Believe in Jesus: At the murder of Stephen years prior, a persecution against the church began. Due to the persecution, believing Jews spread out to regions like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, initially preaching about Jesus only to Jews. However, some began preaching to Greeks in Antioch. A significant number of Greeks believed in Jesus. Hearing this, the Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to Antioch, who, seeing God at work among the Antiochians, further encourages the believers in their faith. Barnabas then seeks Saul (Paul) to join him in teaching the rapidly growing community. Paul ministers there for a year.