Day 93 - April 03, 2025

Judges 10-11 Reflection: 

An "illegitimate" Jephthah is Israel's deliverer. God called him to be a judge after the others rose up in vain. He was a mighty warrior empowered by the Lord to fight the battles. One day he bargained with the Lord concerning those that oppressed his people. NEVER say If you do this God, I'll do this. God will hold you to it. It is a serious business so mean what you say. He claimed the victory for Israel but later made a grave error while boasting in the success the Lord had ensured. Now many argue that his foolish vow led to a metaphorical sacrifice of his daughter because as he stated in his promise to the Lord he would offer (specifically a burnt offering) whatever first walked out his front door if the Lord assured his victory over the Ammonites. But after having seen God in his full sovereignty and the foolish continual behavior of man throughout the Bible, it is clear this was included in the Biblical Canon to serve as an example to how serious it is to make promises with God. Look at Matthew 5:34-37. This was called a "tragic vow" not a "mistaken vow." He had to offer his daughter as a burnt offering. It's harsh but this is the sad but true reality of bargaining with the Almighty.