Jephthah was born to Gilead in a prostitute. (Judges.11:1). This illegitimate son was driven away from his home by his cobrothers.(11:2). He was hated even by the elders of the city (11:5). He was forced to flee away from his family and city to the land of Tob (11:3).

When the Ammonites came to attack Israel, the elders of Gilead went after Jephthah and requested him to be their commander to save them.(11:6). When he accepted their request and came back the people made him head and commander over them. (Judges.11:11). He was rejected and driven away but now invited and made ruler.He became ruler even for his brothers.

When the Ammonite King was stubborn to attack Israel, he decided to attack them.Before starting his venture,he sought the help of the Lord.(11:11c) “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah” (11:29) He made a vow to the Lord that when he come back as victor, “whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me…. will be the Lord’s and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering”. (Judges.11:31)

The Lord gave him complete victory over Ammonites. When he came back, his daughter, his only child, came out to meet him. He never expected this to happen. He tore his clothes and cried. He informed her that “I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break” (11:35) Even his daughter willfully agreed and asked him to fulfill his promise to the Lord.(11:36) She asked him permission “give me two months to roam the hills and weep with my friends”. (11:32) After two months, she came back herself and he did to her as he had vowed.(Judges.11:39)

Jephthah was driven out from his home and city as an illegitimate child but was later accepted by the whole country including his brothers as their head and commander.

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah. The Lord is willing to use any person irrespective of his/her background.

His brothers didn’t give him any inheritance but God gave him a country.

He didn’t take any revenge to his cobrothers or others when he got power.

He always depended on the Lord for victory.

He fulfilled his promise to the Lord, though it was very painful and costly.

He brought up his daughter in the true fear of the Lord.She was willing to honour the vow of her father without any complaint.

Are we willing to be used by the Lord?
Are we depending on the Lord in all situations?
Are we keeping our promises to God and to people?

How is the upbringing of our children? What could be the response of our children in a difficult situation?

Rev.C.V.Abraham.