Jephthahs

Jephthahs refers to the biblical figure Jephthah and the narrative surrounding him, found in the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. He is described as a Gileadite, the son of Gilead by a harlot, who was driven away by his half-siblings and lived as a violent yet capable warrior with a gathered band of adventurers.

According to Judges 11–12, the elders of Gilead later sought Jephthah’s help to defend the land against the Ammonites. He agreed to lead Israel on the condition that the LORD would deliver the enemy into his hand. Jephthah made a vow: whatever first came out of the doors of his house on his return would be the LORD’s, and he would offer it as a burnt offering. He defeated the Ammonites and returned home in peace, but his daughter—his only child—came out to greet him. She lamented the vow, and the narrative states that Jephthah fulfilled it, though the text has been debated. Some scholars interpret the vow as involving the dedication of his daughter to lifelong virginity or service to the LORD, rather than a literal human sacrifice; others read it as a fatal sacrifice. The passage thus raises questions about vows, leadership, and gender roles within ancient Israelite society.

Jephthah is regarded as one of the minor judges who ruled Israel for six years. His story is often cited in discussions of biblical ethics and the complexities of vow-making, obedience, and the consequences of rash promises.