The One Year Bible - Day 120

Jephthah's vow, oh my goodness me. If there was ever a lesson in being careful with your tongue, this was it. God did not ask him to make such a vow but presumably he was trying to push the point of needing victory and spoke carelessly. He would offer whatever was the first thing that came out of his house when returned. What was he thinking? Did he have loads of animals and just assume that one of those would come out of the house or perhaps he thought that God would miraculously provide the sacrifice even though a sacrifice by definition must cost the giver something and is not given by God! Anyway, his daughter comes out and what can you do? His vow to God took precedent and he did indeed sacrifice his daughter to God. Be careful what you speak!