MPV Commentary

His Vow.

The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, empowering him with calm wisdom, sagacious forethought, and indomitable energy to lead Israel in this critical moment. He marched through Gilead and Manasseh, the provinces most exposed to danger, to rally troops and inspire a national response to the threat.

Jephthah then returned to Mizpeh and began his march against the enemy. In accordance with an ancient custom, he made a vow to God in anticipation of victory. This practice was common among Israelites, encouraged by divine approval as a demonstration of piety and gratitude. However, Jephthah's vow raises questions about its legitimacy (see Leviticus 27:28).

Whatever comes out of my house to meet me will surely belong to the Lord, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering. This statement suggests that if the object is a person, they would be dedicated to God's service; if an animal or other suitable thing, it would be offered on the altar.

Jephthah Overcomes the Ammonites.

He marched against the children of Ammon and the Lord delivered them into his hands. Jephthah met and defeated them at Aroer, a town in the tribe of Gad, near the Arnon River. The victory was decisive, and Israel pursued their enemies for about sixty miles from south to north.

Jephthah's Return Home.

Upon returning home to Mizpeh, Jephthah was greeted by his daughter, who came out to meet him with timbrels and dances, leading a band of female musicians (1 Samuel 18:6). The vow had not been communicated to anyone, so it is clear that she was the object of the vow. Her reaction suggests that her life would be forfeited as a sacrifice, which was contrary to God's character. Despite being two months away from the tabernacle and having time for reflection, Jephthah seems to have been driven by a pious but unenlightened conscience to fulfill his vow.