Then it shall be, that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.
Then whatever comes out of the doors of my house to greet me when I return safely from fighting the Ammonites will belong to the LORD, and I will offer it as a burnt offering.
Jephthah is making a rash vow to God, promising to sacrifice whatever first comes out of his house to greet him if God gives him victory in battle.
📚 Historical Context
This is part of Jephthah's tragic vow before going to battle against the Ammonites around 1100 BC. In ancient Near Eastern culture, making vows to deities before battle was common, but Jephthah's vow was poorly thought out. Unfortunately, his own daughter would be the first to come out and greet him upon his return, leading to devastating consequences.
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