Judges 11 and 12 tell the story of Jephthah of Gilead. Jephthah was an outcast because his mother was a prostitute, but he was a great warrior. When the people of Gilead find themselves in a war with the Ammonites they ask Jephthah to lead them in battle and then become their judge.

Jephthah contacts the king of the Ammonites and asks about the cause for the battle. The king replies that the Israelites have taken his land. Jephthah explains how God has been with the people and has given them the land telling him the history of the Israelites. He challenges the king to see that his god has not helped him and his people and says that the Lord will decide who will receive the land. The Ammonite king prepares for battle. Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord that if he wins the battle he will sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house when he returns. The Lord delivers the Ammonites into his hand.

As he returns home Jephthah expects to see one of the sacrificial animals that are kept in the house walk out the door.  Instead it is his only child, his daughter. Jephthah is devastated and explains to his daughter what he has done. His daughter asks for 2 months to be away and then Jephthah can keep his promise. Jephthah keeps his vow.

This is a hard story to read. We cannot understand the sacrificing of a child. To Jephthah’s and his daughter’s credit they are faithful to their vow despite the cost.

The Ephraimites become angry with Jephthah and go to war, but God is with Jephthah and he defeats them. He judges Israel for six years. There are other judges who follow Jephthah.

Psalms 42 and 43 belong together as one psalm. The writer longs for God. He is in a time of trial andothers mock his faith. But his faith remains. He knows that God’s love is steadfast and will return. He places his hope in God.