Bad vows we make
Judges 11:30–31 Jephthah was God’s chosen instrument to deliver Israel from the control which Ammon had exercised over the nation. Previously he had been rejected by Israel because of his mixed parentage, but in their hour of need, they turned to him as a man of strength and leadership capability. In addition ‘the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah’, 11:29. Thus he was empowered by God for the task of delivering Israel. As he moved out with his forces to attack the army of Ammon he made a vow before the Lord. Many have felt that this was an unnecessary vow, for God would have delivered the enemy into his hand without such statements. Nevertheless, he vowed and solemnly promised that if God gave him victory, then on his return he would offer as a burnt offering whatsoever came out of his house to meet him on his return from battle. Jephthah led his forces to complete victory over Ammon. The tide of invasion was turned and once again the nation was free. However, the effects of the vo...