Sermon Central
-
Character Study Of Jephthah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Jephthah was a man of faith and courage, but his story is overshadowed by the tragic consequences of his rash vow. His leadership brought victory to Israel, but his lack of wisdom in speech led to unnecessary sorrow.
CHARACTER STUDY OF JEPHTHAH – JUDGE WHO MADE A RASH VOW
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. Judges 11:30-31
"And Jephthah made a vow unto the Lord, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, 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."
Supporting Texts:
Judges 11:1-40, Judges 12:1-7, Numbers 30:2, Ecclesiastes 5:4-6, Matthew 5:33-37, Proverbs 18:21
INTRODUCTION:
Jephthah was a judge of Israel who rose from rejection to leadership. He was the son of a harlot and was cast out of his father’s house by his half-brothers. However, when Israel faced oppression from the Ammonites, they sought his help because of his military skills. Jephthah became a mighty leader, but his story is marked by a tragic vow that cost him dearly.
His life teaches us about faith, leadership, the consequences of rash decisions, and the importance of wisdom in making commitments before God.
1. JEPHTHAH’S BACKGROUND AND REJECTION
Jephthah’s early life was marked by rejection and hardship.
a) He was the son of a harlot and was rejected by his family (Judges 11:1-2)
His half-brothers drove him away, denying him an inheritance.
b) He fled to the land of Tob and gathered a band of outlaws (Judges 11:3)
He became a warrior and leader of a group of fighters.
c) When Israel faced war, they sought Jephthah’s help (Judges 11:5-6)
The same people who rejected him needed his leadership.
d) Jephthah negotiated his leadership position before accepting (Judges 11:9-11)
He agreed to lead them if they made him their ruler.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph was also rejected by his brothers but later became their saviour (Genesis 37:23-28, Genesis 45:4-5)
2. JEPHTHAH’S NEGOTIATION WITH THE AMMONITES
Before going to battle, Jephthah tried diplomacy.
a) He sent messengers to reason with the Ammonite king (Judges 11:12-13)
He asked why they were attacking Israel.
b) He reminded them of Israel’s history (Judges 11:14-22)
He explained that God had given Israel the land after defeating the Amorites.
c) He declared that God was the true Judge (Judges 11:23-27)
He trusted God to decide the battle.
d) The Ammonite king refused to listen (Judges 11:28)
This led to war.
e) Biblical Example: King Hezekiah also tried diplomacy before war with Assyria (2 Kings 18:13-16)
3. JEPHTHAH’S VICTORY THROUGH THE SPIRIT OF GOD
God empowered Jephthah to defeat the enemy.
a) The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (Judges 11:29)
This was the source of his strength and success.
b) He led Israel to battle against the Ammonites (Judges 11:32)
He fought with divine backing.
c) He defeated the Ammonites completely (Judges 11:33)
Twenty cities were conquered, and Israel gained peace.
d) The victory was a result of God’s power, not his vow (Judges 11:29, 33)
His success was by grace, not by his human efforts.
e) Biblical Example: Samson also received the Spirit of God to defeat the Philistines (Judges 14:6)
4. JEPHTHAH’S RASH VOW AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
Despite his victory, Jephthah made a tragic mistake.
a) He vowed to sacrifice whatever came out of his house (Judges 11:30-31)
This was an unnecessary and reckless promise.
b) His daughter was the first to meet him (Judges 11:34)
He was heartbroken by the consequence of his vow.
c) He could not break his vow (Judges 11:35)
He regretted it but felt bound by his words.
d) His daughter accepted her fate with dignity (Judges 11:36-39)
She asked for two months to mourn her virginity.
e) Biblical Example: Herod also made a rash vow that led to John the Baptist’s execution (Matthew 14:6-9)
5. JEPHTHAH’S CONFLICT WITH EPHRAIM AND HIS LEADERSHIP
Jephthah faced opposition from within Israel.
a) The Ephraimites confronted him after the battle (Judges 12:1)
They were angry because they were not called to fight.
b) Jephthah reminded them of their earlier refusal to help (Judges 12:2-3)
He explained that he had to act alone.
c) The conflict led to war among Israelites (Judges 12:4)
Jephthah and his men fought the Ephraimites.
d) 42,000 Ephraimites were killed at the Jordan River (Judges 12:5-6)
A test using the word “Shibboleth” identified them.
e) Biblical Example: David also faced opposition from his own people before becoming king (1 Samuel 30:6)
6. STRENGTHS OF JEPHTHAH
Jephthah had several admirable qualities.
a) He was a skilled and courageous leader (Judges 11:1, 9)
b) He had a strong knowledge of Israel’s history (Judges 11:14-22)
c) He trusted God for victory (Judges 11:27, 32)
d) He was faithful to his word, even at great cost (Judges 11:35)
e) He led Israel for six years as a judge (Judges 12:7)
