Yiftach

Yiftach, also known as Jephthah in English, is a figure in the Hebrew Bible who serves as one of the judges of Israel. He is described as a Gileadite, the son of Gilead and a harlot, which leads to his exclusion by his paternal family. After being driven away, he gathers a band of adventurers and is recalled by the elders of Gilead to lead Israel against the Ammonite threat.

According to Judges 11, Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord that if granted victory, he will sacrifice as a burnt offering whatever comes out of the door of his house to greet him on his return. He defeats the Ammonites, and upon returning home, his daughter—his only child—meets him. The narrative states that he fulfills his vow. Traditional readings have generally understood this as a human sacrifice, while some modern interpreters view it as the dedication of his daughter to lifelong virginity rather than a literal offering. The text does not decisively resolve this issue, and interpretations vary among Jewish and Christian commentators and scholars.

Jephthah judges Israel for six years. His story is part of the broader narrative in Judges chapters 11 and 12, contributing to themes about leadership, the dangers and ambiguities of vows, and the impact of personal decisions on national affairs. The episode is frequently discussed in biblical ethics, theology, and literary analysis, reflecting the complexities of early Israeli leadership and faith.