[Revy]

I've been wondering about the tale of Jephtah in Judges 11:1.

Jephtah promised God that he would sacrifice the first thing he saw at his home if he gave him power to win a battle. Jephtah won the battle, and upon returning home the first thing he saw was his daughter. So he put her on a pyre, stabbed her through the heart, and burnt her corpse.

God then rewarded him a second time by letting him rule Israel for 6 years.

This seems to be opposite of the story of Abraham, who had his hand stayed and an alternate sacrifice was provided. Why did God give Jephtah the power to win in battle, knowing that he would be forced to sacrifice his daughter? And after he killed her, why did God then grant him leadership over Israel?

[JoeT777]

I’m not so sure it’s a tale of reward for human sacrifice. Seems to be more of a story about making rash oaths – something we don’t think too much of these days. CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Jephte

[arcura]

Revy,
I think that, after reading Judges chapters 11 and 12 that the Lord God wanted Jephtah (also known as Jephte) to continue to serve as Judge because at the time there was not better warrior leader to lead the people and Jephte did defeat many thousands of Israel's enemies before he died.
Thanks for asking this question for it caused me to reread Judges which I have not read for many years.
Peace and kindness,
Fred