And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back.
When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried out, 'Oh no, my daughter! You have crushed me with grief, and you are the cause of my terrible pain. I made a promise to the LORD, and I cannot break it.'
This verse shows Jephthah's anguish when he realizes his rash vow to God will cost him his beloved daughter.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Judges, Jephthah was a leader of Israel who made a vow to God that he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house if God gave him victory over the Ammonites. After winning the battle, his daughter was the one who greeted him first, leading to his profound grief and regret as expressed in this verse. This event reflects the ancient Israelite culture of making solemn vows during times of conflict, which often carried irreversible consequences.
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