Notes: June 18, 2008 – Judges 11

Jephthah’s appointment and victory

• Like Jair (10:3), Jephthah was a Gileadite.
• Although an outcast because of the sins of his parents, Jephthah is chosen to lead the people (6-7).
• Jephthah argues that Israel must take the Ammonite land because their God has given them the land (Judges 11:23).
• The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah (Judges 11:29).
• Before battle, Jephthah made a vow (Judges 11:30-31). Little did he know the high cost of keeping that vow (Judges 11:34-35).
• The daughter acknowledges the legitimacy of her father’s vow. Would you?

Meditation Points:

1. Are you prejudiced against anyone with questionable ancestry?
2. Can you pray to your god and expect him to answer favorably on your behalf?
3. Open-ended, blind, vows should not be made.

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