Introduction
The name “Jephthah” means “opened or opener.”
Jephthah Was a Fugitive, v. 3
His presence opened his family to ridicule.
A. He was an illegitimate child.
B. He was ill-treated.
C. He was disinherited.
Jephthah Was a Leader, vv. 3-11
He opened his own opportunities.
Jephthah Was Hasty, vv. 30-31
He opened his mouth one too many times.
Jephthah Delivered Israel, vv. 32-33
He opened or expanded Israel’s borders.
Jephthah Kept His Vow, vv. 34-40
He opened his home to extinction because of his haste (Proverbs 29:20; Ecclesiastes 5:2). Did he make a human sacrifice?
A. Human sacrifice was contrary to the Law of Moses, Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:10.
B. The fact that Jephthah permitted his daughter to bewail her virginity (vv. 37-38) for two months fits an explanation of perpetual virginity better than human sacrifice.
C. The fact that his daughter “knew no man” also seems to be a detail that would support the idea of celibacy.
D. The Bible provides evidence that such devoted service for women did exist at the central sanctuary (Exodus 38:8; 1 Samuel 2:22; Luke 2:36-37).
E. The conjunction in Jephthah’s pivotal statement in v. 31, that whatever or whoever came out of the door “shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering” could be translated “or.” Thus, if a person came out first, he would dedicate that person to the Lord, or if an animal came out first, he would offer the animal as a burnt sacrifice.
Jephthah Exposed Ephraim’s Lies, 12:1-6
He opened or exposed Ephraim’s sin (see also 8:20; this is not the first time Ephraim pulled this trick).
A. Gideon placated Ephraim.
B. Jephthah repudiated Ephraim.
Conclusion
Be careful of your vows to God.