Jephthah’s Vow

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Judges
• Chapters: Judges 11
• Summary: Jephthah vows rashly before battle and suffers tragedy after victory.

Details

Jephthah debates the Ammonite claim to Israel’s land, the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him, and he defeats Ammon. His vow concerning whoever comes out of his house first leads to grief over his daughter.

Key People Involved

• Jephthah — Makes the vow and wins the battle

Key Places

• Mizpah — Jephthah’s base in the narrative

Important Verses

“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD…” — Judges 11:30

Cross-References

• Related events: Minor Judgeship Periods
• Mentioned in: Hebrews 11:32

Notes

Jephthah’s story warns against importing pagan assumptions into worship of the LORD.