Book of Judges - Chapter 11 - Verse 31

When Jephthah made this vow to the Lord before going into battle with the Ammonites, he was promising to dedicate to the Lord whatever came out of the doors of his house to greet him upon his return. Unfortunately, when he returned victorious, his only daughter was the one who came out to meet him first. Despite his deep distress at having to fulfill his vow by sacrificing his beloved daughter, Jephthah felt bound by his promise to the Lord. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of making vows to God and the importance of fulfilling them, even when the cost is great. It also highlights the tragic consequences that can arise when making careless or overly hasty promises to the Lord. Jephthah's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of making rash commitments and the need for careful consideration before making vows to God.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD'S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering," it is essential to understand the context in which this verse occurs. This verse is found in the book of Judges, specifically in the story of Jephthah. Jephthah makes a vow to the Lord that the first thing he sees coming out of his house after returning from battle will be sacrificed as a burnt offering. Some theologians view this verse as a reflection of the Israelites' lack of understanding of the true nature of God and His desires. Others interpret this verse as a cautionary tale against making rash vows to God. Word studies on this verse can shed light on the complexities of language used in the original text and provide additional insights into the cultural and historical context of the verse. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of careful and deliberate devotion to God, as well as the need for proper interpretation and understanding of religious practices.