And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.
When Jephthah returned home to Mizpeh, his daughter came out to celebrate with him, playing tambourines and dancing. She was his only child, he had no other sons or daughters.
This verse shows Jephthah's daughter joyfully celebrating her father's victory, not knowing about the terrible vow he made that would cost her life.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Judges, Jephthah was a warrior leader chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Ammonites during a period of repeated cycles of rebellion and deliverance. Before going into battle, he made a reckless vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house if he returned victorious, reflecting the cultural practice of making oaths in times of crisis. When he came home, his daughter, his only child, emerged to greet him, highlighting the tragic personal cost of his impulsive decision.
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