Jephthah's Vow | Judges 10-12
Welcome to Real Life. Our parentage affects us, for good and for ill.
His mother was a prostitute. Because of this, Jephthah’s brothers drove him out of his father’s home in Gilead. He settled in Tob. There, he grew into a mighty warrior with a following of angry young men.
When the Ammonites attacked, the men of Gilead needed a mighty warrior. They called on Jephthah. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he went out to meet the Ammonites in battle. But first, he made a bold and foolish vow:
When Jephthah returned, his virgin daughter—his only child—came dancing out to meet him. At this point, he could have humbly admitted he made a rash vow and paid the substitution allowed by Levitical law[2]. But, he did not. Instead, he gave his daughter two months to roam the hills and grieve with her friends. Then, “he did to her as he had vowed.”[3]
Later, under his leadership, 42,000 Ephraimites were slain over a mispronounced word. Jephthah ruled only six years. Then, he died. Violent men tend to live short lives.
Jephthah was an Israelite—one of God’s chosen people, a mighty warrior, and a judge. In Hebrews 11, he is honored for his faith.[4] But, people of faith aren't perfect. And, Jephthah is best remembered for his rash vow. He unjustly suffered for his parents’ sin; his daughter unjustly suffered for his (as did the men of Ephraim).
Our parentage affects us—for good and for ill. It doesn't have to define us.
LeBron James was raised in a poor, single-parent home. He excelled in basketball to become the biggest star of the NBA. In 2010, his arrogance in “The Decision” to leave the Cavs caused fans to burn his jersey. Recently, LeBron humbly admitted his mistakes. He’s coming home. We welcome him with open arms. His parentage affected him. It hasn't defined him.
My parents were immigrants with funny accents. So, I grew up feeling less-than the all American kid. To measure-up, I developed an unhealthy perfectionism. Today, I am proud of my parents and my Slovak heritage. However, at times, I still struggle with perfectionism. And, my sons have suffered under it—for good and for ill. My parentage affects me. I try to let it define me in positive ways.
Above all, I hope that I am defined by my spiritual parentage. I am a daughter of the King!
What defines you?
Taking it further:
[1] Judges 11:30-31
[2] Leviticus 5:4-6
[3] Judges 11:39
[4] Hebrews 11:33
Image from: http://sports1.politicususa.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lebron-james.jpg
His mother was a prostitute. Because of this, Jephthah’s brothers drove him out of his father’s home in Gilead. He settled in Tob. There, he grew into a mighty warrior with a following of angry young men.
When the Ammonites attacked, the men of Gilead needed a mighty warrior. They called on Jephthah. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him and he went out to meet the Ammonites in battle. But first, he made a bold and foolish vow:
If you give me victory over the Ammonites, I will give to the Lord whatever comes out of my house to meet me when I return in triumph. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.[1]Israel won. But, it was not due to Jephthah’s vow. God is sovereign. His will is not dependent on man’s promises. No, God had already raised up Jephthah to deliver Israel.
When Jephthah returned, his virgin daughter—his only child—came dancing out to meet him. At this point, he could have humbly admitted he made a rash vow and paid the substitution allowed by Levitical law[2]. But, he did not. Instead, he gave his daughter two months to roam the hills and grieve with her friends. Then, “he did to her as he had vowed.”[3]
Later, under his leadership, 42,000 Ephraimites were slain over a mispronounced word. Jephthah ruled only six years. Then, he died. Violent men tend to live short lives.
Jephthah was an Israelite—one of God’s chosen people, a mighty warrior, and a judge. In Hebrews 11, he is honored for his faith.[4] But, people of faith aren't perfect. And, Jephthah is best remembered for his rash vow. He unjustly suffered for his parents’ sin; his daughter unjustly suffered for his (as did the men of Ephraim).
LeBron James was raised in a poor, single-parent home. He excelled in basketball to become the biggest star of the NBA. In 2010, his arrogance in “The Decision” to leave the Cavs caused fans to burn his jersey. Recently, LeBron humbly admitted his mistakes. He’s coming home. We welcome him with open arms. His parentage affected him. It hasn't defined him.
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| My Mother |
Above all, I hope that I am defined by my spiritual parentage. I am a daughter of the King!
Help me, dearest Father, to reflect your character.
Even though I fall short,
thank you for loving and welcoming me with open arms.
What defines you?
Taking it further:
- Song "I Can Just Be Me" by Laura Story.
- For further insights into Jephthah, read “Jephthah’s Vow” by Tim Chaffey, Answers in Genesis.
- For more on LeBron James, read “Lessons from LeBron” by Barnabas Piper in World Magazine.
[1] Judges 11:30-31
[2] Leviticus 5:4-6
[3] Judges 11:39
[4] Hebrews 11:33
Image from: http://sports1.politicususa.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/lebron-james.jpg
Your mom's beautiful, Peggi! Love your message - it's so important to remember. Especially about being a child of the King - the one parent we SHOULD be trying to emulate!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shel. My dad really loved this picture of my mom. I do, too!
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting time of life when you move from worrying about what your parents did to you and thinking about what impact you have on your kids. I think a lot about what my kids will remember of me as a Dad. I want it to be Godly and good.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sean. Yes. By his grace, may we make an impact for good and for God! Well said.
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