Jephthah's (Not So) Tragic Vow

TGC West Coast Conference: October 16-18 (Tuesday-Thursday) in Fullerton. Some great speakers (Alistair Begg, Kevin DeYoung, Ligon Duncan, Michael Horton). We will already receive 25% off the ticket price with additional group discounts available. The total cost would probably be around $300 (conference + hotel). If you are interested in going, please talk to me.

NAPARC Worship Service: Allow me a moment to brag on you. I thought Fresno RPC set the bar pretty high for hosting the NAPARC joint worship service last April. But last Sunday night, I think you guys raised that bar. We had a great turnout and a vast amount of snacks and desserts to share. The worship service went from 6-7pm and people were still here until well past 9pm enjoying fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. I’m really looking forward to the next one which Covenant URC will host at the Veteran’s Memorial Building (tentatively scheduled for March 31st at 6pm).

TGC West Coast Conference: October 16-18 (Tuesday-Thursday) in Fullerton. Some great speakers (Alistair Begg, Kevin DeYoung, Ligon Duncan, Michael Horton). We will already receive 25% off the ticket price with additional group discounts available. The total cost would probably be around $300 (conference + hotel). If you are interested in going, please talk to me.

Prayer Meeting: Shifting to Sundays at 3:30pm. We will meet in the back room for 30mins before the afternoon Worship Service.

New Members Class: We will begin our next class on Oct. 14th. We will meet in the Upper Room during the Sunday School hour (8:00-8:45am).

Remove old items.

Chantelle Jameson’s Baby Shower: The ladies (and girls of all ages!) are invited to gather at the church this Friday 6:30pm. Dessert will be served. If you would like to know where Chantelle is registered you can talk to Carrie after the service.

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Verse 1

All hail the pow'r of Jesus' name

Let angels prostrate fall

Bring forth the royal diadem

And crown Him Lord of all

Bring forth the royal diadem

And crown Him Lord of all

Verse 2

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race

Ye ransomed from the fall

Hail Him who saves you by His grace

And crown Him Lord of all

Hail Him who saves you by His grace

And crown Him Lord of all

Prayer Meeting: Shifting to Sundays at 3:30pm. We will meet in the back room for 30mins before the afternoon Worship Service. However, tonight, we will move our prayer meeting to 5pm in order to place it closer to the NAPARC joint Worship Service.

Emphasize one with a story.

Verse 3

Let e'ery kindred e'ery tribe

On this terrestrial ball

To Him all majesty ascribe

And crown Him Lord of all

To Him all majesty ascribe

And crown Him Lord of all

NAPARC Worship Service: Tonight we will host our 2nd NAPARC joint Worship Service with Fresno Reformed Presbyterian Church and Covenant United Reformed Church. We have agreed to host and provide refreshments following the service. This is typically our potluck night, so we will simply replace the main dish we would bring with plenty of snacks and desserts.

Verse 4

O that with yonder sacred throng

We at His feet may fall

We'll join the everlasting song

And crown Him Lord of all

We'll join the everlasting song

And crown Him Lord of all

VERSE 1

And can it be that I should gain

An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain?

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God shouldst die for me?

VERSE 2

He left His Father’s throne above,

So free, so infinite His grace!

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For, O my God, it found out me.

VERSE 3

Long my imprisoned spirit lay

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.

Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray:

I woke—the dungeon flamed with light!

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

VERSE 4

No condemnation now I dread:

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

CHORUS

Amazing love! how can it be

That Thou, my God,

shouldst die for me!

Adoration based upon opening songs:

I want to invite Matt and Jackie Balocca together with their son David Martyn to the front of the church.

David Martyn Balocca, being a member of a covenant household, will be receiving the covenant sign of baptism this morning.

Confession of Sin:

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the only two sacraments instituted by our Lord at the end of his ministry. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper every week, and we celebrate baptism as often as we are able to. This morning we have that privilege.

Baptism is a sign and seal of the Covenant of Grace. It is a seal of union with Christ, of re- mission of sins, regeneration, adoption, and eternal life. The water signifies the washing away of sin and guilt and the purification of the corruption caused by sin. It represents the cleansing from sin by the blood of Christ who conquered sin and death by dying on the cross and rising again three days later. The promise of the Covenant of Grace is given to believers and their children (). Because the covenant includes children, we believe children have an interest and a right to receive the seal along with the benefits of being a part of the Christ’s Church. Just as children received the sign and seal of circumcision under the Old Covenant, we believe children are to receive the sign and seal of baptism under the New Covenant. At Baptism the recipient is distinguished from the world as someone who is united to other believers and their baptism binds them to fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We believe the children of believers are a part of the covenant community by virtue of their birth. Therefore we see no reason to withhold the sign of the covenant from them.

To the congregation: First, infants who do not receive the sign and seal are not in danger of damnation. Baptism does not save anyone, Christ alone saves. Thus it is by faith alone in Christ alone that a person is justified.

At the same time, the grace and benefits of Baptism are not tied to the moment of administration, rather they reach throughout the course of our lives. This blessing that begins at our baptism—whether in infancy, childhood, or adulthood—continues until a person is glorified. This means all who have been baptized must improve their baptism with faith, repentance and obedience lest they become covenant breakers and subject to the discipline of the Church. Every time you witness a Baptism, you have the opportunity to look back upon your own Baptism, to repent of your sin and to stir up your faith.

To the parents: For you (Matt and Jackie), this is an opportunity to consider the great mercy of God to you and your children. It is an opportunity to commit to raising this child under the instruction of Scripture, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We encourage you to utilize the summaries of Scripture found in the Westminster Confession of Faith, as well as the Larger and Shorter Catechisms to assist you in this endeavor. Even as you commit to teaching your children, we exhort you to pray with and for them, and to set an example of piety and godliness before them.

Thanksgiving for Pardon:

For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. (; ; )

Civil Authorities:

Now, Matt and Jackie, I’m going to ask you three questions with regard to David as you are bringing him forward to receive the covenant sign of baptism:

Do you acknowledge your child’s need of the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, and the renewing grace of the Holy Spirit?

Do you claim God’s covenant promises in (his) behalf, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for (his) salvation, as you do for your own?

Do you now unreservedly dedicate your child to God, and promise, in humble reliance upon divine grace, that you will endeavor to set before (him) a godly example, that you will pray with and for (him), that you will teach (him) the doctrines of our holy religion, and that you will strive, by all the means of God’s appointment, to bring (him) up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord?

To the congregation: Do you as a congregation undertake the responsibility of assisting Matt and Jackie in the Christian nurture of their children?

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of baptizing this precious covenant child. We give you thanks for the gift of children and for Your covenant promises to them. We pray that you will grant the inward reality that corresponds to the outward washing. We pray that David will be received into the protection and care of Christ and His church; that as You have been the God of Matt and Jackie, that You will be the God of David. We pray that this child would be granted the gift of the Holy Spirit; that his heart would be renewed and regenerated; that he would grow up never knowing a day apart from Christ. It’s in His name we ask. Amen.

Christian Ministry and Mission:

David Martyn Balocca, child of the covenant, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Salvation of All Men:

Heavenly Father, what a joyful occasion this is. This family has served alongside this church from the beginning. We are so grateful for your provision of Matt and Jackie and their commitment to faithfully training up their children. May they exemplify unity, love, and compassion by your Holy Spirit, for your glory, in Christ’s name. Amen.

Sanctification of the Saints:

The Afflicted:

Ray Sanchez will come and read .

[Scripture Ref]

Luke 6:38 ESV

give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

In an article for marthastewartwedding.com, Taysha Murtaugh, provides several examples of modern wedding vows that couples can make in order change things up from the boring religious and traditional vows we’re so used to hearing. Murtaugh writes,

We'd expect nothing less than super-cool vows from this California couple, who threw a chic picnic-party wedding. The groom's self-penned script included the funny phrase, "I love putting the toothpaste on your toothbrush, I'm yours for eternity."

Honestly, after reading all ten examples, this was probably the best one… Here’s the thing, there’s nothing wrong with making a few edits here or there to modernize the language of our wedding vows. But, let’s be honest, putting “toothpaste” and “eternity” in the same sentence, does nothing but minimize the importance and value of the commitment that is being made.

In our text this morning, we come to one of the most controversial judges of all, Jephthah. The question of what he vowed, and how it was carried out, have been interpreted in vastly different ways. Regardless of where you land, no one can say that Jephthah minimized the importance and value of the commitment he made. He certainly didn’t take his vow lightly.

Establish the problem that the text provides the solution to.

One indication of a believer’s maturity is their willingness to uphold their lawful vows.

That is true whether you think Jephthah is mature or immature. If he is immature, then the vow he makes in this passage is one you will likely interpret as unlawful. If he is-as I think-a mature believer, then an indication of that is his willingness to uphold this vow-despite the great loss it was to the longevity of his personal heritage.

Before we read our passage of Scripture this morning, let’s ask the Lord for his help in understanding it.

Judges 10:17–11:28 ESV

Then the Ammonites were called to arms, and they encamped in Gilead. And the people of Israel came together, and they encamped at Mizpah. And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. And when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. After a time the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. And they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites.” But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them over to me, I will be your head.” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say.” So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and leader over them. And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord at Mizpah. Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, “What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?” And the king of the Ammonites answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Because Israel on coming up from Egypt took away my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan; now therefore restore it peaceably.” Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said to him, “Thus says Jephthah: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh. “Then they journeyed through the wilderness and went around the land of Edom and the land of Moab and arrived on the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the boundary of Moab. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land to our country,’ but Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory, so Sihon gathered all his people together and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. And the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites, who inhabited that country. And they took possession of all the territory of the Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them? While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.” But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him.

Judges 10:17–11:29 ESV

Then the Ammonites were called to arms, and they encamped in Gilead. And the people of Israel came together, and they encamped at Mizpah. And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. And when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. After a time the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. And they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites.” But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them over to me, I will be your head.” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say.” So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and leader over them. And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord at Mizpah. Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, “What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?” And the king of the Ammonites answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Because Israel on coming up from Egypt took away my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan; now therefore restore it peaceably.” Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said to him, “Thus says Jephthah: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh. “Then they journeyed through the wilderness and went around the land of Edom and the land of Moab and arrived on the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the boundary of Moab. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land to our country,’ but Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory, so Sihon gathered all his people together and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. And the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites, who inhabited that country. And they took possession of all the territory of the Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them? While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.” But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him. Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites.

Judges 10:17–12:7 ESV

Then the Ammonites were called to arms, and they encamped in Gilead. And the people of Israel came together, and they encamped at Mizpah. And the people, the leaders of Gilead, said one to another, “Who is the man who will begin to fight against the Ammonites? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead’s wife also bore him sons. And when his wife’s sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not have an inheritance in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. After a time the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. And they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites.” But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father’s house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the Lord gives them over to me, I will be your head.” And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say.” So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and leader over them. And Jephthah spoke all his words before the Lord at Mizpah. Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, “What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?” And the king of the Ammonites answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Because Israel on coming up from Egypt took away my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan; now therefore restore it peaceably.” Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said to him, “Thus says Jephthah: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, ‘Please let us pass through your land,’ but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh. “Then they journeyed through the wilderness and went around the land of Edom and the land of Moab and arrived on the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the boundary of Moab. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, ‘Please let us pass through your land to our country,’ but Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory, so Sihon gathered all his people together and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. And the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites, who inhabited that country. And they took possession of all the territory of the Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them? While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon.” But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him. Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the Lord gave them into his hand. And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow.” And she said to him, “My father, you have opened your mouth to the Lord; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the Lord has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites.” So she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions.” So he said, “Go.” Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. And at the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire.” And Jephthah said to them, “I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” Then Jephthah gathered all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim and Manasseh.” And the Gileadites captured the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. And when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, “Let me go over,” the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” When he said, “No,” they said to him, “Then say Shibboleth,” and he said, “Sibboleth,” for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slaughtered him at the fords of the Jordan. At that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites fell. Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in his city in Gilead.

[Scripture Passage]

Begin with an involving introduction that surfaces need. Use a provocative question, human-interest story, simple assertion, startling statement, a catalog of information, or create a conflict/problem.

Establish the problem that the text provides the solution to.

One indication of a believer’s maturity is their willingness to uphold their lawful vows.

First Main Point (vv)Second Main Point (vv)Third Main Point (vv)

The Ammonites attack and the elders of Gilead go to make peace with Jephthah (4-8).He agrees to fight for Gilead and they make him their “head” (Abimelech) (9-11).He attempts to negotiate w/ the king of the Ammonites proving knowledge of Scripture (12-28).

The leaders of Gilead offer a proposal of headship to anyone willing to lead their army against the Ammonites.

Jephthah’s brief family history follows in which we learn that he was a mighty warrior (Gideon), but the son of Gilead and a prostitute (Abimelech). When Gilead’s other sons grew up they drove Jephthah away so he would not receive any of the inheritance. He wasn’t on speaking terms with the Gileadites because his brothers drove him out. We also learn that he hung out with “worthless men”, reminiscent of Abimelech.

Judges 9:4 ESV

And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith with which Abimelech hired worthless and reckless fellows, who followed him.

He attempts to negotiate w/ the king of the Ammonites proving knowledge of Scripture (12-28).

After the Ammonites attacked, and no one accepted the proposal of Gilead’s leaders, they asked Jephthah. Here we learn that the elders of Gilead are Jephthah’s half-brothers, the same one’s who drove him away. Despite their prior rejection, Jephthah accepts their offer to become head, also similar to Abimelech. However, Jephthah does give credit to the Lord for any victory they might achieve (9). And he repeats his oath before the Lord (10). These are significant examples of Jephthah’s religious religious values.

After the Ammonites attacked, and no one accepted the proposal of Gilead’s leaders, they asked Jephthah. Here we learn that the elders of Gilead are Jephthah’s half-brothers, the same one’s who drove him away. Despite their prior rejection, Jephthah accepts their offer to become head, also similar to Abimelech. However, Jephthah does give credit to the Lord for any victory they might achieve (9). And he repeats his oath before the Lord (10).

Although there are several parallels with Abimelech, there are just as many parallels with God. The dialogue between Jephthah and Gilead demonstrates the relationship between Israel and God. Identical themes are found in 10:6-16 and 11:1-11. Dale Ralph Davis points out the following parallel themes between these two passages:

Gilead’s rejection of Jephthah (11:2) is like Israel’s rejection of the Lord in their turning to numerous false gods (10:6) >

Gilead experiences distress under the oppression of the Ammon (10:17-18; 11:4-5a) just as Israel experienced earlier (10:7-9) >

Gilead goes to Jephthah in what somewhat sounds like repentance (11:5b-6) much like Israel’s own quasi-repentance (10:10) >

Just as the Lord raises an objection to Israel’s cry (10:11-14), so Jephthah questions the sincerity of Gilead’s repentance (11:7) >

The elders of Gilead appeal to Jephthah twice (11:5-6, 8) just as Isreal did in the previous chapter (10:10, 15-16a) >

But finally there is an acquiescence to the request by Jephthah (11:9-11), just as the Lord had done for Israel (10:16b).

These similarities also apply to Jesus, one despised and rejected by his own people.

John 7:3–5 ESV

So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him.

Isaiah 53:3 ESV

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

John 1:11 ESV

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

Both Jephthah and Jesus were valued only for their immediate usefulness. They were desired mostly for their ability to provide military victory.

We rightly shake our heads at the way Gilead’s elders treated Jephthah. They rejected him, ensuring he would have no part of their father’s inheritance, then when no one else was willing to risk their lives in leading their military they lure Jephthah with the proposition of headship. They come across as thoroughly disingenuous. And, yet...

How often are we guilty of putting our own interests first? What can we learn from Philippians 2:3-7?

Philippians 2:3–5 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:3–6 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Philippians 2:3–7 ESV

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:6–11 ESV

who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Reconciliation is never easy, but if it’s going to be successful, it must begin with the genuine intentions of working out all the aspects of true repentance. And that’s only possible where a Christ-like humility is valued over self-preservation.

Considering his background, we wouldn’t expect Jephthah to be capable of delivering a history lesson to the king of the Ammonites, but that’s exactly what he does.

In his first act as head of Gilead, Jephthah reaches out to the king of the Ammonites seeking an explanation for their attack. The king responded that Israel had stolen his land when they came out of Egypt, and that he wanted it back.

Jephthah sends back a lengthy history lesson that shows not only his interest in the nation of Israel, but his agreement with their Scripture’s interpretation of history. Isreal only took what God had given to them, which did not include Ammonite territory.

Deuteronomy 2:18–19 ESV

‘Today you are to cross the border of Moab at Ar. And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot for a possession.’

God had instructed Israel to leave Ammon alone. So they did. It was the territory of the Amorite’s that Israel took possession of, as Jephthah would explain. Simply put, the land that the current King of Ammonites was claiming Israel took from them, was not their land when Israel arrived.

We won’t spend time analyzing his explanation, but it should suffice to show that he believed God’s revelation as recorded by Moses (; )! His response proves his knowledge of Scripture. Think about that. At a time when generation after generation was forgetting the Lord and forsaking the worship of him, Jephthah represents someone who knew quite a bit about divine revelation.

If Jephthah were a rash individual as so many interpret him to be, why would he send messengers to negotiate peace with Ammon, not once, but twice! Jephthah was not rash in becoming Gilead’s head, nor was he rash to enter into war.

That should go a long way in reforming our opinion of the man’s character. Yes, he comes from a questionable background that causes us to raise our eyebrows, but this section shows the man was no Abimelech.

Although there are several parallels with Abimelech, there are just as many parallels with God. The dialogue between Jephthah and Gilead demonstrates the relationship between Israel and God. Identical themes are found in 10:6-16 and 11:1-11. Dale Ralph Davis points out the following parallel themes between these two passages:

Rejection > Distress > Repentance > Objection > Appeal > Acquiescence.

Now, of course, I realize it’s possible to have a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, and yet remain unchanged in moral practice. But, from my perspective, Jephthah was a man with great strength, poise, and patience. His past was not pristine, but it does not have to define his actions as we move forward in the narrative.

Dale Ralph Davis points out the following parallel themes between these two passages: Rejection > Distress > Repentance > Objection > Appeal > Acquiescence.

These similarities also apply to Jesus, one despised and rejected by his own people. They were valued only for their immediate usefulness. They were desired mostly for their ability to provide military victory.

John 7:3–5 ESV

So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” For not even his brothers believed in him.

From my perspective, Jephthah can be seen as a man with great strength, poise, and patience. His past was not pristine, but it does not have to define his actions as we move forward in the narrative.

Does anyone presently possess the level of maturity they had when they were younger?

To answer that in the affirmative is to admit immaturity. Believer’s, especially, should be able to see the growth they’ve experienced not only in their knowledge of the Scriptures, but in their application of that knowledge in their lives.

Jephthah’s Character shows that a man with questionable experiences in the past can grow in his knowledge of the Scripture and become useful to God. Tonight we will see that this includes the work of the indwelling Spirit.

Whatever we conclude about Jephthah’s character is going to inform how we interpret everything that follows...

Jephthah responds with a lengthy history lesson that shows not only his interest in the nation of Israel, but his agreement with their interpretation of history. We won’t spend time analyzing his explanation, but it is suffice to show that he believes God’s revelation as recorded by Moses and Joshua!

That should go a long way in reforming our opinion of the man. Yes, he comes from a questionable background that causes us to raise our eyebrows, but this section shows the man was no slouch.

Illustration - Move me!

Implication - Show me!

Transition

Despite the

Now that we have a positive understanding of Jephthah we can come to this passage without any preconceived notion of his guilt. If you think he’s a bad dude already, in all likelihood you’re going to read this narrative in the worst possible way.

But, at least acknowledge how this section begins:

jud 11 29

Judges 11:29 ESV

Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites.

Once again, we see the influence of the Spirit of the Lord. I don’t believe the Holy Spirit performed identical functions under the Old Covenant as he does under the New. Ezekiel suggests he takes on a more active role in the hearts of the elect.

Ezekiel 36:26–27 ESV

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

However, whenever we see the Spirit of the Lord indwelling or descending upon an individual, it is never interpreted as a negative event. In fact, it seems to imply that the Lord is accomplishing his will through this individual. So what do we see Jephthah doing shortly after the Spirit is upon him?

Although the Lord does grant him victory over Ammon, it is his vow that becomes the focus of the narrative.

Judges 11:30–31 ESV

And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

judges 11 30

Although the Lord does grant him victory over Ammon, it is his vow that becomes the focus of the narrative. This leads Joel Beeke to ask an important question:

“Would the Spirit inspire him to make a vow so clearly contradictory to the Spirit’s own revealed Scripture?”

We need to inspect this vow closely. What would Jephthah expect to run out of his doors to meet him? Whatever or whoever “he/she/it” was, he expected to offer up for a burnt offering. The typical sacrificial animal may have roamed inside the courtyard of a house. But the idea of one coming out to meet him upon his return from battle seems odd, to say the least. (This isn’t Narnia or Middle Earth...)

However, Jephthah’s reaction to seeing his daughter would indicate that he was not expecting to be greeted by her.

What was the “it” he expected to offer up for a burnt offering?

What leads many to interpret this vow as tragic? The several parallels with Abimelech, such as, the “worthless” friends he hung out with and the fact that he agreed to become head of Gilead.

Parallels with Abimelech

“Worthless” friends (3).

He agrees to become head of Gilead (9).

They highlight how the text makes no mention of the Lord raising him up. But that was true of all of the minor judges, as well as Barak, Gideon, and Samson. I realize that Gideon and Samson have a more elaborate calling, but nonetheless, these arguments about missing elements in the cycle are problematic. All but the first judge is missing one or more of the elements in the pattern.

Annulment of vows allowed (, ).

Probably the greatest challenges have to do with the language the author uses. Jephthah tears his clothes which does signify deep anguish, but not necessarily over death. Job mourned in this way when all of his children died (), but we see the whole nation repenting in this way in Esther (). We also see Paul and Barnabas tearing their clothes when the people of Lystra began to worship them (). So it is a sign of anguish and distress, but not necessarily mourning.

However, what doesn’t the yearly custom in Israel clarify any ambiguity?

Judges 11:40 ESV

that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.

Wouldn’t that seem to settle what happened? Lamenting is a precise word in English. There’s only one problem. The word in Hebrew (תנה) is actually so rare in the Old Testament that it only occurs three other times, none of which does the translation “lament” make sense. It’s found in the song of Deborah and Barak:

lamenting Jephthah’s daughter for four days every year (40).

Judges 5:11 ESV

To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the Lord, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the Lord.

There it was translated as “repeat/recount”. The other two occurences are found in Hosea likening Israel to those who “hire” prostitutes. So the semantic domain of this word is quite large and hard to pin down. The best translation (per HALOT, cf NASB, NIV, NET) is “commemorate” not “lament”.

The greatest challenge has to do with עֹלָה, translated as “burnt offering”. This word almost always refers to nonhuman sacrifice except , . BUT of the 286 occurrences, it’s always taken in a literal sense, never figurative.

Whatever/whoever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it/him as a burnt offering (31).

“Burnt offering” refers to nonhuman sacrifice except , . BUT 286 occurrences always literal (never figurative, but ).

We should consider the broader sacrificial language which speaks of dedication to the Lord. The Apocryphal book of refers to the “whole burnt offerings” of the righteous who are refined by fire. The Levitical law provided the valuation of humans in terms of making vows of dedication to the Lord in . The Levites are referred to as a “wave offering”:

Numbers 8:11 ESV

and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord as a wave offering from the people of Israel, that they may do the service of the Lord.

Child sacrifice typically = “pass through the fire” (Ahaz & Manasseh ; ). Canaanite practice in time of need, not as vow or after fact.

Her response to mourn her virginity with her friends for two months seems odd, to say the least, if she were about to die.

What leads some to interpret the vow as less tragic?

No tendency to rashness

Knowledge of Scripture. Which, by the way, you would think he was familiar that the annulment of vows was allowed.

Leviticus 5:4–7 ESV

or if anyone utters with his lips a rash oath to do evil or to do good, any sort of rash oath that people swear, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and he realizes his guilt in any of these; when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed, he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed, a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him for his sin. “But if he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord as his compensation for the sin that he has committed two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering.

Leviticus 5:4–5 ESV

or if anyone utters with his lips a rash oath to do evil or to do good, any sort of rash oath that people swear, and it is hidden from him, when he comes to know it, and he realizes his guilt in any of these; when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed,

,

lev 5 27

Only one daughter (not multiplying wives)

The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (29)

What takes place afterwards (36-40)

No mention of putting her to death!

Her epitaph? “And she was a virgin.”

This makes more sense if she has been dedicated to the Lord to serve in the temple. She is wholly devoted to temple service.

Exodus 38:8 ESV

He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.

Num

1 Samuel 2:22 ESV

Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

1 Samuel 2:22 ESV

Now Eli was very old, and he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who were serving at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

What about “lamenting”? Well, the word is actually so rare in the Old Testament that it only occurs one other time. It’s found in the song of Deborah and Barak:

Judges 5:11 ESV

To the sound of musicians at the watering places, there they repeat the righteous triumphs of the Lord, the righteous triumphs of his villagers in Israel. “Then down to the gates marched the people of the Lord.

So we know women served in the temple entrance. Jephthah’s dedication of his daughter may have been much like Hannah’s dedication of her son Samuel.

There it was translated as “repeat/recount”. Why wouldn’t they use the same translation in ?

1 Samuel 1:11 ESV

And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”

I keep coming back to the verse in Hebrews which names Jephthah as an exemplary man of faith.

Hebrews 11:32 ESV

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—

We simply cannot take that lightly. Scripture is never negative about Jephthah character or commitment.

What can we learn from the faith of both Jephthah and his daughter?

We too are urged to be a living sacrifice:

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Illustration - Move me!

Implication - Show me!

Similar to Gideon and Abimelech, we see another judge narrative concluding with civil war.

Once again, the hotheaded Ephraimites are stirring up conflict. Gideon diffused their anger with a kind word. Jephthah and the Gileadites fought and kills 42,000 Ephraimites.

What are we to make of this response? If we have interpreted Jephthah to be irrational in his vow, then we will be quick to pile it on at this point and declare him to also be prone to conflict and violence. Note: If this were some kind of judgment from God, it is odd that the one condemned is victorious.

On the other hand, if we have been more gracious to him and interpreted his vow as being “not so tragic”, then we are left wondering how to understand the conclusion to his account. The author is not explicitly or implicitly negative about Jephthah’s actions, even here. But that doesn’t mean he is positive either. It just means we should not read more into the account than is actually provided.

However, much like Gideon’s unfortunate end, Jepthah’s narrative lacks any reference to his dependence upon the Spirit and civil warfare. It seems to me that the Spirit gave them victory over the Ammonites, but their victory over Ephraim was counterproductive.

Once again, Ephraim wasn’t innocent. They were short-tempered and easily offended. But they were still a part of God’s covenant people. The Lord had not cut them off. There was never any instruction for the judges to attack fellow Israelites, so I find it hard to see it any other way but as another negative ending, to an otherwise faithful and exemplary judge.

Illustration - Move me!

Attacks from within the covenant community are often the most damaging to her witness. Ephraim, like so many complainers in the church, were more interested in their own agenda than the will of the Lord.

Ephraim, like so many complainers in the church, were more interested in their own agenda than the will of the Lord.

What can you do to promote unity and peace within the covenant community?

Transition

If you are unable to join us next week, you will be able to access the sermon online.

Jephthah’s Commitment (11:29-40)

Second Main Point (vv)Third Main Point (vv)

Jephthah’s Conflict (12:1-7)

Fourth Main Point (vv)

Summarize the main points and implications.

Without giving away too much of next week’s sermon, I need to at least affirm that I believe the deliverance Israel received under Jephthah’s reign draws a straight line to Jesus Christ. Whereas several weeks ago, we considered Abimelech to point to Christ by way of contrast, I believe Jephthah’s exemplary faith points to Christ by way of parallel themes. We saw one of those themes already (despised and rejected). We will consider another one tonight.

Clearly point to Christ.

However, there is one example of contrast as well. Jephthah is not perfect, the conclusion of his narrative, much like Gideon’s has a blemish. But I don’t believe it is as marred as so many often portray it to be.

End with a charge.

Nicene Creed (852)

[Scripture Ref.]

John 3:3 ESV

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

[Scripture Ref.]

1 Peter 2:24 ESV

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

[Connect to Sermon]

This is a time to enjoy communion with our Savior. Christ is spiritually present at the Table. It is more than simply remembering what he did for us, it is enjoying the benefits of his work. We enjoy communion or fellowship in His body and blood (), as we feed upon Him by faith, in our hearts. Here we partake of “spiritual food” and “spiritual drink” (, ).

Since Christ is spiritually present at His table, and since we enjoy spiritual “communion” with Him there, through the Lord’s Supper we receive His sustaining grace. Here our souls are fed. Here we find refreshment. Though we come with an awareness of weakness and failure, bruised and battered by the world, discouraged and compromised by sin, still Jesus extends His invitation and restores our honored place at His Table. Here we are renewed and strengthened. Here we “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood” (). By this sacrament “Christ and all His benefits, are applied and sealed up unto us.” Here we find “medicine for poor sick souls.”

It is required of those who participate in this meal that they be sincere, instructed, and accountable members of the church of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul warns us in the strongest terms not to participate in an “unworthy manner.” It is necessary, he says, to “judge the body rightly.”

Therefore, if you are an unbeliever, if you are an unrepentant believer, living in defiance of Christ’s commands: if you do not understand and are ignorant of the meaning of the bread and cup, or if you are not a member of Christ’s church, do not participate in this meal. We invite you instead to remain among us and use this time to ask God to speak to your heart through His word and sacrament, and give you more light and understanding.

But if you are a sincere believer, walking in obedience to Christ, understanding the meaning of the Supper, and are accountable, being a communicant in good standing in an evangelical church, I invite you to come to partake of His body and blood.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the privilege of celebrating this sacrament of the Lord’s Supper together with your saints this morning. We thank you, once again, for this visible reminder of what Christ has done for us. He has graciously invited us to this table, and so we come in humble reliance upon Him. We ask that you would bless these common elements before us. Take this common loaf of bread and this common cup of wine and cause us to be edified by the work of your Spirit in and through this sacrament.

Come forward whenever you’re ready. The purple cups on the outside are filled with wine and the clear cups on the inside are filled with juice. Take the elements back to your seats and when everyone has been served we will partake of the elements together.

The Lord Jesus Christ on the same night in which he was betrayed took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, gave it to his disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

In the same manner, he also took the cup, and having given thanks as has been done in his name, he gave it to the disciples, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Drink from it all of you.”

2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Verse 1

O praise the Father, Praise the Son,

The Lamb for sinners given

And Holy Spirit, through whom alone,

Our hearts are raised to Heaven

Jephthah's (Not So) Tragic Vow - Pt.1

Announcements

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (374)

And Can It Be? (431)

The Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism

Words of Instruction

Words of Exhortation

Covenant Promises

Vows

Prayer of Blessing and Administration of the Sign

Closing Prayer

Scripture Reading

Offering

In Christ Alone (265)

Introduction

1. Jephthah’s Character (10:17-11:28)

Jephthah’s Background (10:17-11:11)

Jephthah’s Knowledge (11:12-28)

3. Jephthah’s Commitment (11:29-40)

3. Jephthah’s Conflict (12:1-7)

2. Jephthah’s Commitment (11:29-40)

3. Jephthah’s Conflict (12:1-7)

Conclusion

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (465)

Confession of Faith

Confession of Sin

Assurance of Pardon

The Lord’s Supper

The Lord’s Supper

Prayer of Blessing and Consecration

Words of Institution

Benediction

O Praise the Father

Jephthah's (Not So) Tragic Vow - Pt.1

Announcements

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (374)

And Can It Be? (431)

The Sacrament of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism

Words of Instruction

Words of Exhortation

Covenant Promises

Vows

Prayer of Blessing and Administration of the Sign

Closing Prayer

Scripture Reading

Offering

In Christ Alone (265)