Jephthah Keeps his Promise

After 18 Years of oppression by the Ammonites and the Philistines, the people of Israel once again cry out to God for rescue. Answering in accordance with their constant rebellion and refusal to learn, God says they should ask their gods, the idols they are worshiping to save them. But when they show true repentance, God shows up and chooses an outcast named Jephthah to lead them into victory and relief from their enemy.

In yesterday’s reading, we heard the tragic and violent story of Abimelech, the first king of Israel who was chosen not by God but by the people. We saw the devastation caused by this evil king and how God finally delivered His people from the hands of one of their own. Today we’ll find Israel straying yet again, giving in to all sorts of sin. And as always, this rebellion will have grave consequences. The people will once more be conquered by a foreign nation, this time the Philistines and Ammonites. In their hour of need, God will raise up a man named Jephthah to deliver his people from oppression. Jephthah would be filled with God’s spirit, but in his fervor, he would make a promise to God that would cause him great sadness for the rest of his days.