Jephthah Defeats the Ammonites

Jephthah, son of Gilead and a prostitute, had been driven out by his half-brothers but was called back when Ammonites attacked. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, but before battle he made a rash vow: “Whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph… will be the LORD’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”

He utterly defeated the Ammonites. But when he returned home, his only child—his daughter—came out dancing with tambourines to celebrate. Devastated, Jephthah tore his clothes but felt bound by his vow. She asked for two months to mourn her virginity with her friends, then returned. “And he did to her as he had vowed.”

Whether this means literal human sacrifice or perpetual virginity/dedication to God is debated. Either way, the vow was foolish and the outcome tragic. Jephthah judged Israel six years. This story shows further deterioration—the Spirit empowers Jephthah, yet his rash vow destroys his family, mixing victory with devastating personal tragedy.