Judges 11:40
In Judges 11:40, the text says that the daughters of Israel enacted a yearly custom: *that the daughters of Israel went yearly to commemorate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year* (v.40). Jephthah was from the region known as Gilead, situated east of the Jordan River, an area later associated with cities of refuge and frequently referenced throughout Scripture. Gilead’s location placed Jephthah and his family on the eastern frontier of Israel’s territory, where hostilities with neighboring nations were often intense citeturn0file10. Jephthah’s lifetime is generally dated to the era of the Judges, approximately the late 12th century or early 11th century BC, a period marked by cyclical conflict and Israel’s repeated need for deliverance.
Earlier in Judges 11, Jephthah made a solemn vow to the Lord, promising to devote as a sacrifice whoever emerged from his house first if God would grant him victory over the Ammonites (Judges 11:29–33). Vows in the Old Testament were a common practice when people earnestly appealed for God’s help, as seen in instances like Hannah praying for a child (1 Samuel 1:9–11) and others who would vow regarding divine intervention citeturn0file0. Tragically, the one who came out was Jephthah’s daughter, leading to a painful fulfillment of his promise. Scholars debate the exact nature of her fate, but the impact on Israel’s community is seen in Judges 11:40, where the women of Israel set aside these four days each year to remember her.
This annual commemoration highlights the gravity of making rash vows and the people's empathy for Jephthah’s daughter. By gathering to mourn and honor her, the daughters of Israel upheld a collective memory — that lives given or lost in service to the Lord, even in tragic circumstances, deserved reflection. In many ways, the commemoration also reminds us of the cost of shortsighted decisions and the responsibility believers bear to guard their words (Ecclesiastes 5:2–5). It foreshadows the ultimate hope of redemption, pointing to a future in which God’s grace through Jesus Christ redeems humanity from even the harshest consequences of sin (Titus 2:11–14).
This verse underscores the unique tradition of remembrance that arose from Jephthah’s tragic vow.
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:
- Zechariah 11:4-6 meaning. The LORD commanded Zechariah to care for His covenant people because, like sheep destined for slaughter, they are at the mercy of dishonest merchants and shepherds. The LORD will punish the people, causing strife within the community.
- 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.
- Psalm 19:7-11 meaning. God’s commandments are perfect. Those who follow them are made wise, their hearts are glad, their souls are healthy. Through obedience to God, we find great reward.