Judges 11
Devotional:
When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!” (Judges 11:5-6)
Jephthah was a mighty warrior who delivered Israel from oppression by the Ammonites but also made a foolish vow: to offer as a burnt offering to the Lord whatever came out the doors of his house to greet him when he returned in peace from battle. Jephthah’s delight in victory turns to despair when his daughter comes out of his house to meet him. There is debate about what happened to Jephthah’s daughter. Did he really offer her as a burnt offering, or did she live out her days unmarried? Would God really hold Jephthah to his vow, especially when he had commanded Israel not to offer their children as sacrifices? Whatever the case, we see here that we need to be careful about what we say – what we promise. We need to speak in God-honoring ways and make God-honoring commitments. May we speak with God-honoring wisdom today.
When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, “Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!” (Judges 11:5-6)
Jephthah was a mighty warrior who delivered Israel from oppression by the Ammonites but also made a foolish vow: to offer as a burnt offering to the Lord whatever came out the doors of his house to greet him when he returned in peace from battle. Jephthah’s delight in victory turns to despair when his daughter comes out of his house to meet him. There is debate about what happened to Jephthah’s daughter. Did he really offer her as a burnt offering, or did she live out her days unmarried? Would God really hold Jephthah to his vow, especially when he had commanded Israel not to offer their children as sacrifices? Whatever the case, we see here that we need to be careful about what we say – what we promise. We need to speak in God-honoring ways and make God-honoring commitments. May we speak with God-honoring wisdom today.
Pray it:
Father, I confess that I often speak foolish and thoughtless words. Help me to be a person who honors the promises I make and uses my words to honor you. Amen.
Father, I confess that I often speak foolish and thoughtless words. Help me to be a person who honors the promises I make and uses my words to honor you. Amen.
Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?
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