In Judges, chapter eleven, verse thirty-nine, it seems apparent that Jephthah did not physically sacrifice his daughter’s life as in verses thirty through thirty-one for at least two reasons. He would be acquainted with God’s law sternly for bidding human sacrifice and would know that God considers such action an intolerable abomination. The emphasis that “she knew no man” is did not marry implies that she was presented to God as a living sacrifice, to devote her entire life to purity and service at a national sanctuary as in Exodus thirty-eight, verse eight, and First Samuel two twenty-two.
Several important lessons we learned from Jephthah’s vow. There may be remains of distrust and doubting, even in the hearts of true and great believers. Our vows to God should not be as a purchase of the favor we desire but to express gratitude to him. We should be very well-advised in making vows lest we entangle ourselves. When we have solemnly vowed to God, we must perform, if possible and lawful, though it is difficult and grievous.
It will become children obediently and cheerfully submit to their parents in the Lord. It is hard to say what Jephthah did in the performance of his vow, but the thought that he did not offer his daughter as a burnt offering. Such a sacrifice would have been an abomination to the Lord. Suppose she was obliged to remain unmarried and apart from her family. We learn men separate, and in doubt, we need not perplex ourselves.
What is necessary to our salvation, thanks be to God, is plain enough. If followers recollect the promise of Christ concerning the teaching of the Holy Spirit and place themselves under this heavenly Teacher, the Holy Ghost will guide them to all truth.