Bible Chapter Summary
Judges 11 Summary
Jephthah's Deliverance and Rash Vow
Jephthah, a mighty warrior driven out by his half-brothers as the son of a harlot, is begged by Gilead's elders to lead them against Ammon and agrees to become their head. He first sends messengers defending Israel's rightful claim to the land, but the Ammonite king refuses to listen. Empowered by the Spirit of the LORD, Jephthah vows to offer whatever first comes from his door if granted victory, then defeats Ammon decisively. Returning home, he is met first by his only daughter, and she submits to his vow after two months to bewail her virginity.
Key themes
Key verses
Judges 11:29
“Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead, and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the children of Ammon.”
Judges 11:30
“And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,”
Judges 11:35
“And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.”
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