March 11, 2025 - Judges 11-12

Here is Jephthah’s foolish vow to the Lord:  “If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering” (11:30-31).  How many times have I read this story and commented on it!  The Lord had already promised victory to Jephthah; he did not need to make such a vow.  Furthermore, how foolish and wicked of him when, returning home, his own daughter comes out of the house to meet him and he sets on a path to sacrifice her.  This story is always a good reminder that, when we make foolish promises or set off down a foolish path, rather than continuing we should turn around, ask God for forgiveness and do the right thing.  What’s the adage?  It’s the law of holes:  “If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.”  It’s a metaphor, warning that when in an untenable position, it is best to stop making the situation worse.

Father of light! conduct my feet

Through life’s dark, dan­ger­ous road;

Let each advancing step still bring

Me nearer to my God.

Let Heav’n eyed pru­dence be my guide;

And when I go as­tray,

Recall my feet from fol­ly’s paths

To wisdom’s better way.

Teach me in evry va­ri­ous scene

To keep my end in sight;

And whilst I tread life’s mazy track,

Let wis­dom guide me right.   --Christopher Smart (1771)