Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Judges 11:29-40 – Praying through the Bible #74 – A Prayer that Loses a Child
Every parent’s greatest fear is losing their children. Some lose them spiritually, which is the greatest heartache. Others lose them emotionally, when a distant grows between them. Some even lose them physically, leaving a hole forever in their lives. Whether innocent or guilty, there is a gnawing agony of remorse and the haunting question, “what if,” as the doubt searches for answers. Can a parent lose a child because they make foolish promises? Can a parent lose a child because of a promise made to God?
Jephthah vowed, “whatever comes out of the doors of my house to greet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it as a burnt offering” (Judges 11.30-31). After being victorious, “there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with tambourines and dancing! She was his only child; he had no other son or daughter besides her” (11.34). Seeing his child, he tears his clothes and says, “No! Not my daughter! You have devastated me! You have brought great misery on me” (11:35). Does Jephthah sacrifice his daughter?
The vow looks confusing. Unlike today, animals often were bedded in houses at night. So did Jephthah expect the first “whatever” (11.31) to be an animal? Then there is the ambiguity in the Hebrew (nan). “And” (11.31) could be “or” meaning if a human, they would be dedicated; or if an animal, it would be sacrificed (11.31). Did Jephthah expect a servant to come out? Considering the daughter mourns her virginity and not death (11.37-39), that the daughters of Israel commemorate her (11.39-40), and that human sacrifices were forbidden (Dt 18.10), how could Jephthah burn her up in sacrifice? But then again foolish people do stupid things in the name of God.
For our purposes, there are other concerns more “burning” than what happened in the end. First, look at the father’s words. “You have devastated me! You have brought great misery one me.” As a father, I want to scream, “Why are you blaming her? Man-up and say, ‘I have devastated myself. I have brought great misery on me and on you.’” Parents, stop blaming your children for your mistakes. Second, do not make promises without considering the impact on your children. Jobs and friends are not more important than children. Too many preachers focus on saving the world that they lose their families. Third, Jephthah promised something to God over which he had no control. I’m sure he thought himself holy by promising “whatever.” It is better to not vow, than to make one and not fulfill it. If you do vow, be careful not to let your mouth lead you to sin (Eccl 5.6-7). Parents, don’t lose your children because you make foolish promises, whether to God or to them.
Prayer Challenge: Pray we won’t blame others for our mistakes; that promises we make will not negatively impact our families; and that we only promise what we can control. If we foolishly vow, repent rather than keep what never should have been spoken.
Comments