Judges 11:39

Jephthah, a judge of Israel during the 12th century BC, had made a solemn vow to the LORD before engaging in battle (Judges 11:30–31 NASB-95). After achieving victory, his daughter returned to him. The verse says, *“At the end of two months she returned to her father, who did to her according to the vow which he had made; and she had no relations with a man. Thus it became a custom in Israel”* (v.39). The text notes that his daughter had spent two months in the mountains with her companions, fully aware that her father was bound by the promise he made. This tragic development highlights the gravity of making vows before God.

The setting for this event is Gilead, an area located east of the Jordan River in what is today Jordan. In the broader historical timeline, Jephthah’s leadership became instrumental in defending Israel from the Ammonites. As one of the judges ruling between Joshua and the establishment of Israel’s monarchy—around the 12th century BC—Jephthah’s story underscores the turbulent time in which Israel had no central king and was frequently challenged by neighboring peoples. His daughter’s plight symbolizes the deep sorrow that can result from rash or poorly considered decisions.

In this verse, the outcome of Jephthah’s promise is sealed, and it creates a tradition among the people of Israel to commemorate what happened to his daughter. The vow’s fulfillment contrasts starkly with other biblical teachings on the seriousness of making oaths, pointing forward to Jesus’ later warning not to swear carelessly, but rather to let one’s “statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’” (Matthew 5:37 NASB-95). Through this example, the Scriptures illustrate how seemingly devout commitments require wisdom, humility, and an awareness of the potential consequences.

This verse highlights Jephthah’s completion of his solemn vow and establishes a long-standing custom in Israel.