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And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD. He said, "If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the LORD whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." Judges 11:30-31 NLT
Jephthah’s vow has been described as “rash” or “tragic.” And why not? This judge of Israel asked God for victory in battle, promising that afterward he would sacrifice whatever stepped out of his house. Was he expecting a goat or chicken? It was, in fact, his only child.
The story warns against foolish promises. But there was a deeper issue for Jephthah, one that we as Christian men today do well to consider: when God has called and empowered a person for service, that’s enough. No embellishment is necessary or desirable.
Jephthah had dealt wisely with the king of Ammon, denying his demand for Israelite land. “You keep whatever your god Chemosh gives you,” he said, “and we will keep whatever the Lord our God gives us” (Judges 11:24). When the Ammonite king ignored the message, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah” (v. 29). Heading to battle in this power, though, Jephthah seemed to hesitate, making the foolish vow in today’s scripture.
Let’s not make a similar mistake. With God’s promises and presence, we need nothing more. Our trust honors Him more than any promised sacrifice ever could.
Prayer: Lord, I trust You. That’s enough.
Jephthah’s vow has been described as “rash” or “tragic.” And why not? This judge of Israel asked God for victory in battle, promising that afterward he would sacrifice whatever stepped out of his house. Was he expecting a goat or chicken? It was, in fact, his only child.
The story warns against foolish promises. But there was a deeper issue for Jephthah, one that we as Christian men today do well to consider: when God has called and empowered a person for service, that’s enough. No embellishment is necessary or desirable.
Jephthah had dealt wisely with the king of Ammon, denying his demand for Israelite land. “You keep whatever your god Chemosh gives you,” he said, “and we will keep whatever the Lord our God gives us” (Judges 11:24). When the Ammonite king ignored the message, “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah” (v. 29). Heading to battle in this power, though, Jephthah seemed to hesitate, making the foolish vow in today’s scripture.
Let’s not make a similar mistake. With God’s promises and presence, we need nothing more. Our trust honors Him more than any promised sacrifice ever could.
Prayer: Lord, I trust You. That’s enough.
