Was it Right for Jephthah to Sacrifice His Daughter?

Weird Stuff in the Bible

One of our listeners, Alana, always sends in fantastic questions. Recently she sent an email with this, and I can’t believe I haven’t already covered this on the podcast before.

She asked about the passage in Judges where Jephthah vowed to sacrifice the first thing that came through his door to meet him after victory in battle. And if you know the story, you know that it actually ends up being his daughter. Alana said, “Clearly that was a sacrifice to God. Why would God allow him to sacrifice his daughter?”

This is a passage that incites a lot of debate, discussion and even depression among many bible readers. Jephthah is a believer. He’s even listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11.

And yet he also commits this abominable act- something God has often stated is unacceptably wicked- of committing a human sacrifice with his own child.

Yes, he made a vow in Judges 11 to sacrifice the first thing that came through his door.

Yes, it was a foolish vow since he didn’t realize his own daughter might be the thing.

But was it right for him to keep this vow?

I find this to be weird, and I’d like to explore why it’s in the Bible.

Turn to Judges 11, and let’s get weird.

Check out the new website! www.weirdstuffinthebible.com

Sign up for the weekly newsletter! Get additional insights and Bible study tips for unpacking strange things in scripture. Enter your email here:

https://weirdstuffinthebible.beehiiv.com/

You can also find a list of past newsletters at that same link so you never have to miss one.

0:00 - Who is Jephthah?

4:30 - Jephthah’s Vow of Human Sacrifice

9:00 - Was Jephthah right?

12:05 - The Importance of Our Vows

16:15 - A Sacrifice for Breaking Vows in Leviticus 5

19:40 - The Importance of Knowing God

23:40 - Did She Actually Die?

If you want to get in touch, my email is [email protected]

Hosted by Luke Taylor

If you’re intrigued by strange Bible stories, uncovering Bible mysteries, or learning about unusual biblical teachings, this podcast is for you! Dive deep into weird Bible facts, biblical controversies, and the supernatural in the Bible, while exploring the hidden stories of the Bible you may have never heard. Get a fresh perspective as we explain the Bible in ways that challenge the norm and uncover the unexpected. I’m so glad you’re here- don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss an episode!