Jephthah Mighty Man of Valour
Judges 11-12:7
Jephthah’s Family vs. 1-11
Jephthah’s mother was a harlot and this causes his family to reject him and cast him out. Instead of fighting with them, he fled and made a name for himself. When hit with the Ammonites, they called for Jephthah. Valor in the Bible carries the idea of military veteran.
Jephthah’s Enemy vs. 12-29
Jephthah sent messengers to communication with Ammon. When they began to speak falsehoods, he corrected them with the Bible.
Jephthah was also guided by the Holy Spirit at this time vs. 29
Jephthah’s Vow vs. 30-40
Jephthah made a quick vow that whatever came into his house after receiving the victory, he would give to the Lord as a burnt offering.
He did get the victory and upon returning home, his daughter came in. He of course did not offer her body as a burnt offering, for that would not please God. Human sacrifices were strictly forbidden. Instead the law allowed for her to be redeemed with a financial offering and she would be a perpetual virgin serving God for all her life.
Jephthah’s Reaction 12:1-7
After dealing with the Ammonites, Ephraim began complaining again. They were offended for not being included and threatened to kill him.
He overreacted and began to kill the Ephraimites. They set up a border and had them pronounce Shibboleth. If they could not pronounce it correctly, they would be identified as Ephraimites and killed.