A Question about Judges

[Marycita]

I was reading this book today and was a little confused when I got to Chapter 11. What was the vow? It's not a really pertinent question, I'm just curious, so if you have any idea, I would appreciate responses.

~V

 

[homewardbound]

Jephthah vowed that if God granted him victory over the Ammonites, he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing that came out of his house to meet him upon his return.

Unfortunately, his daughter was the first to come out to greet him on his return.

1. Don't make deals with God.
2. If you do, be careful what you ask for.

 

[pimorton]

Vss 30, 31: "And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD:"If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever come out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering."

 

[Beasley]

Just keep in mind that he thought it up all by himself. Sometimes believers put themselves in a bind. Many times they set a standard for themselves that God didn't command or ask for. What's worse is when they fail their own standard they go crazy and enter into the sin of guilt, inordinate focus on self. It is in fact one of the ways Satan uses to disable believers spiritually. Focus on self was Satan's sin when he fell. Getting man to question God was the sin when man fell. He still uses both today.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment. James 5:12

 

[Marycita]

Oh wow, okay - thank you....I guess I was just shocked that it was what I thought it was. Thanks for the responses.