Section Ten

Jephthah’s Daughter

A story from the time of the Judges in Israel involves an incredible example of sacrificing a child. The book of Judges has many examples to show the poor leadership and choices made by some of the people who rose up to lead Israel. One of these judges was called Jephthah. He rose to lead Israel at a time when they were under threat from a people called the Ammonites. The Ammonites, under the leadership of their king, often attacked the Israelites. Jephthah rose to lead Israel for the specific task of taking on the Ammonites. In getting ready to fight, Jephthah makes an amazingly stupid promise. Presumably thinking that an animal would be in the firing line, Jephthah promises to sacrifice the first living thing out of his house if he is able to win the battle. He does win the battle. When he comes home, his daughter comes out to greet him whilst dancing to music. His daughter tells Jephthah that he must follow through on his promise - which he does after his daughter is given two months to say her goodbyes. This story is used to highlight the folly of the judges - Jephthah ended up doing something that is condemned elsewhere by God in order to fulfil a promise made to God in battle.