Context and Summary

This verse is part of the narrative surrounding Jephthah, a judge of Israel, who made a hasty vow to offer the first thing that came out of his house if he was granted victory over the Ammonites. The text reveals the tragic consequences of that vow when his daughter is the first to greet him upon his return home.

Interpretation and Analysis

The interpretation of Judges 11:38 can vary, but key insights can be gleaned from several respected public domain commentaries:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry emphasizes the seriousness of Jephthah's vow, reflecting on the notion that rash promises can lead to severe outcomes. His daughter's response shows her acceptance of fate, representing devotion even in tragedy.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes notes that this verse underscores the grief of the daughter as she mourns her virginity, symbolizing the loss of future lineage and the burdens of her father's vow. He explores the cultural context of sacrifice and the implications of such a vow in Israelite society.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke provides additional depth, discussing the emotional stakes involved as the daughter goes away with her companions. He remarks on her noble character and the themes of sacrifice and commitment woven throughout this passage.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To deepen our understanding of Judges 11:38, we can explore several related verses:

• Genesis 22:1-2: The story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac parallels Jephthah's vow, highlighting the themes of faith and sacrifice.
• 1 Samuel 1:11: Hannah's vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord can be seen as a contrast to Jephthah's hasty promise.
• Leviticus 27:2-8: This passage provides guidelines about making vows and their fulfillment to God, offering background on the seriousness of such commitments.
• Numbers 30:2: Discusses the binding nature of vows, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before making promises to God.
• Matthew 5:37: Jesus teaches about the importance of honesty in speech, which can also apply to the promises we make, including vows.
• James 5:12: Reflects the principle of keeping one's word, connecting the importance of integrity in our promises.
• Hebrews 11:32-34: Lists Jephthah as a man of faith, suggesting a complex understanding of his actions and their consequences.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

This verse invites us to look at broader themes within the Bible. Some thematic connections include:

• Vows and Sacrifices: A recurring theme in the Bible where the implications of vows are discussed.
• Women in the Bible: The role of women, particularly in the context of familial and societal expectations, can be analyzed through this verse.
• Loss and Grief: The emotional response to loss found in various scriptures can help to understand the depth of the daughter's sorrow.

Conclusion

Judges 11:38 serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of our words and the weight of promises made. Through the lens of various Bible commentaries, we gain a richer understanding of the narrative, the characters involved, and the broader theological implications. By exploring cross-references, we can draw connections that deepen our insight into the scripture and its relevance today.

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