Topical Encyclopedia
Jephthae, also known as Jephthah, is a significant figure in the Book of Judges, chapters 11 and 12, in the Old Testament. He is remembered as a judge of Israel who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of the Ammonites. His account is marked by themes of faith, leadership, and the consequences of rash vows.
Background and Rise to LeadershipJephthah was a Gileadite, the son of Gilead and a prostitute. Due to his illegitimate birth, he was ostracized by his half-brothers and driven away from his home. He settled in the land of Tob, where he gathered a group of adventurers and became their leader. Despite his outcast status, Jephthah was recognized for his valor and leadership abilities.
When the Ammonites waged war against Israel, the elders of Gilead sought Jephthah's help. They offered him leadership over all the inhabitants of Gilead if he would lead them in battle against the Ammonites. Jephthah accepted their offer, but only after securing a promise that he would indeed become their head if the Lord granted him victory.
Diplomacy and BattleBefore engaging in battle, Jephthah attempted to resolve the conflict through diplomacy. He sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites, questioning the basis of their claim to the land. Jephthah recounted Israel's history, emphasizing that the land in question had been taken from the Amorites, not the Ammonites, and that the Lord had given it to Israel. The king of the Ammonites, however, ignored Jephthah's message, leading to war.
Empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, Jephthah led the Israelites to a decisive victory over the Ammonites.
Judges 11:29-33 states, "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and through Mizpah of Gilead. From there he advanced against the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: 'If indeed You will deliver the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out of the door of my house to greet me on my return in triumph from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"
The Vow and Its ConsequencesJephthah's victory was overshadowed by the tragic fulfillment of his vow. Upon returning home, his only child, his daughter, came out to meet him with tambourines and dancing. Jephthah was devastated, as he had vowed to offer as a burnt offering whatever came out of his house first.
Judges 11:35 records his lament: "When he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, 'Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.'"
Jephthah's daughter accepted her fate with grace, requesting only two months to mourn her virginity with her friends. After this period, Jephthah fulfilled his vow. The account does not explicitly state the nature of the offering, leading to various interpretations among scholars and theologians.
Legacy and DeathJephthah judged Israel for six years. His leadership is noted for both his military success and the tragic outcome of his vow. He is mentioned in the New Testament in
Hebrews 11:32 as one of the heroes of faith, highlighting his trust in God despite the personal cost.
Jephthah's account serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of careful speech and the serious nature of vows made to God. His life reflects the complexities of human character and the profound impact of faith and leadership in the history of Israel.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Jephthae(whom God sets free), (Hebrews 11:32) the Greek form of the nameJEPHTHAH.
Greek
2422. Iephthae -- Jephthah, a judge of Isr.... NASB Word Usage Jephthah (1). Jephthah. Of Hebrew origin (Yiphtach);
Jephthae (ie Jiphtach), an Israelite -- Jephthah. see HEBREW Yiphtach.
...Library
Footnotes:
... for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae;"of David also, and Samuel, and of the Prophets: who through faith...
Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets."....
Faith
... for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae, of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets." But all these were...
Unbelievers Upbraided
... for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and
ofJephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:...
Thesaurus
Jephthae (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Jephthae (1 Occurrence). Hebrews 11:32 And what
shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of
...Jeopardy (7 Occurrences)
Jephthah (26 Occurrences)
Gedeon (1 Occurrence)
... for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: (KJV)....
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