Jephthah Judge of Israel
About Jephthah
Jephthah was a mighty warrior from Gilead who became a judge of Israel. Though rejected by his family for being the son of a prostitute, he was called to lead Israel against the Ammonites. He made a tragic vow that affected his daughter and judged Israel for six years.
Jephthah's Character Traits
Jephthah's Life Timeline
View journey on mapGilead's elders beg Jephthah to return and lead them against the Ammonites.
JDG 11:4-11Jephthah vows to sacrifice whatever first comes from his house if God grants victory.
JDG 11:30-31Jephthah's daughter, his only child, comes out first; he fulfills his vow.
JDG 11:34-40Jephthah's Key Locations
Spiritual Lessons from Jephthah
Rash Vows Bring Tragedy
Jephthah's rash vow resulted in unimaginable tragedy. His faith was commended (Hebrews 11:32), but his vow was unnecessary—God doesn't require bargains. We should be careful what we promise God, and never make vows in haste.
Key Verses about Jephthah
Frequently Asked Questions
Bible Bites
His Daughter's Name Never Given
Jephthah's daughter, who came out dancing with tambourines to greet her father and became the subject of his tragic vow, is never named in Scripture. She is simply called 'his only child' and asked for two months to mourn her virginity before the vow was fulfilled.
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