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
Jephthah was a judge of Israel who made a foolish vow before battle, promising to sacrifice whatever came out of his house first if God gave him victory. When his only daughter came out to celebrate his triumph, he realized the devastating consequence of his hasty promise. This story reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of making vows to deities, though such human sacrifice was forbidden by God's law.
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