Judges 11:39

Arabic KEH Ketab El Hayat (كتاب الحياة)

ثُمَّ رَجَعَتْ فِي نِهَايَةِ الشَّهْرَيْنِ إِلَى أَبِيهَا، فَأَصْعَدَهَا مُحْرَقَةً وَفَاءً بِنَذْرِهِ، فَمَاتَتْ عَذْرَاءَ،

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes Jephthah's daughter returning to him after two months, as he had vowed to sacrifice her if he won a battle. She returned without having been with a man, and this became a custom in Israel to commemorate her sacrifice.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your dad promised to give away his favorite toy if you won a game, and you did win. This verse is about a girl who had to follow a big promise her dad made, and it became a special tradition to remember her.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written around the 10th century BCE by various authors, possibly including Samuel. It documents the history of Israel during the period of the judges, where the people were governed by leaders appointed by God. This verse reflects the customs and beliefs of that time.

Living It Out Today

Today, this story can remind us about the importance of keeping promises and the impact they can have on others. For instance, if you promise to help a friend study for a test, it's important to follow through, even if it requires sacrifice.

Topics

• promise keeping
• sacrifice
• faith
• customs
• family
• traditions

Related Verses

• Genesis 22:1-14
• Matthew 5:33-37
• Joshua 7:20-26
• 1 Samuel 1:11
• Romans 12:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jephthah sacrifice his daughter?

Jephthah made a vow to God that if he won a battle against the Ammonites, he would sacrifice the first thing that greeted him at home. Unfortunately, his daughter was the first to greet him.

What does it mean that she 'knew no man'?

This phrase indicates that she remained a virgin, which was significant in ancient Israel, suggesting she lived a life of devotion and purity.

What custom was established?

The custom was that for four days every year, the women of Israel would go out to lament for Jephthah's daughter, commemorating her sacrifice and her story.

How can we understand the vow in modern times?

While the vow made by Jephthah is extreme and not something we would follow today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being careful with our promises and the consequences they can have on others.