Jephthah’s life was starting to unravel. Because of his rash vow, his daughter was dead and his family was broken. Jephthah was wrong to make that vow, and he was wrong to keep it. Because he was called into leadership by men instead of being raised up by God, he was man’s solution to a problem that can only be solved by God. And then, after a seemingly great victory over the Ammonites, the Ephraimites were pounding at his door and threatening to burn his house down over a ridiculous tiff.
Ironically, Jephthah’s house was really already on fire by the time the Ephraimites came for him, sharpening their flints. And the fire that burned was kindled by Jephthah’s very own hands and lips. It was the destructive fire of his sin. And he couldn’t keep the smoldering smoke a secret for long.
The Ephraimites had no good reason to pick a fight with Jephthah. They were angry because he didn’t summon them to help fight the Ammonites. Since he had been called to leadership by the Gileadites, Jephthah really had no authority to summon the tribe of Ephraim to war in the first place. But once they saw that Jephthah was victorious over the Ammonites, they wanted a piece of that juicy victory and to rise up against Jephthah.
In Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, Hamlet, Claudius groans to Queen Gertrude, “When sorrows come, they come not as single spies, but in battalions.” In the same way, as Jephthah’s sins piled up, he continued to trudge forward in his own strength, his wrongs and sorrows compounding. Before he knew it, his own house was in shambles. A threat from foreigners to burn his house down was laughable because he had already burned what was valuable with his own actions. No amount of water could douse the flames ignited by the murder of his own daughter. This sin that was closest to his heart ended his career. His time as a judge was over. Jephthah was so burned by the evil that cauterized his family, he could not recover.
Our darkest and most burning sins damage us in profound ways. But hope is never lost. As Zechariah 13:9 says, “I will put this third through the fire; I will refine as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Even if the house of your heart is on fire, call on His name and He will answer you.
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46 thoughts on "Conflict with Ephraim"
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This commentary had me really confused for a minute, I believe God does not condone the murder of innocent children, even if Jephthah offered his child unknowingly as a sacrifice, I have to believe she became a living sacrifice, so to have it called a murder here lost me a bit. I’m comforted to know I wasn’t the only one confused by this commentary and appreciate the comments that gave me some extra clarity too. ❤️
After reading quite a few commentaries, nothing bad is said about Jeptha and the Ephraimites. I really think it’s more of a lesson not to be like the Ephraimites.
Just like they were known by their dialect, we are known as Christ followers by how we live and speak.
I agree! I was baffled by the devotional today. There is no suggestion in scripture that his life was in shambles because of that vow. We can assume those remaining years were full of grief but he went on to defeat the Ephraimites and scripture does not tell us one way or the other if those 6 years of being a judge were good or bad. She adds a ton to scripture that simply isn’t there
HISSPARROW, I agree with you.
I am so thankful that it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately opens our eyes to the Truth of God’s Word. I thought for a moment that this particular is a bit misleading and confusing. If we look at Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith”, we see the Jephthah there. That means, God honored his faith in leading the battle. He might also have given his daughter as a “Living Sacrifice” ( Romans 12:1) instead of the actual burnt offering, something that according to Judges 11:39, “became a custom in Israel. Just think of the women who gave themselves in service to the temple.
Thanks for saying that Nicky.
I was just about to look in my Concordance, because they’re not even 100% sure that it was murder he committed to his daughter, let alone if killing the Ephraimites killed his career. It actually doesn’t say in the Bible that there were any consequences.
It goes to show that when we do want proof, words written by man is not what we must give all of our heed to, but the words in the Bible is our main source of Truth.
Agreed Claire.
Jephthah could not recover from the evil that cauterised his family… he could not go on… his sin ended his career and his time as judge was over – I think you’re stretching the Scripture here Rebecca.
I’m sure that he was devastated but Scripture doesn’t say that. Jephthah judges for 6 years and then dies (vs 7). Death ends his career. We don’t get to add more to make our point, however poetic it may be.
“Call on His name and He will answer you” even in our darkest hour call out to Him.
It’s never too late in our sins and mistakes to call upon our compassionate Father. He will always instruct us and teach us in the way we should go.
Tina, how wonderful for your family. Prayers Lorenzo improved quickly.
Searching, I too was confused. It was like she went back to the scripture regarding his vow. I am not sure I follow her logic in conjunction with the devotion from that scripture.
Happy Monday ladies! I too have struggled with this reading. I feel like I’ve read through it but am half paying attention. Praying I can get back with it. Praying for you all today.
GramsieSue Acupuncture should help. Also have him drink 2 cups of soursop tea a day.
@GramsieSue- I pray also, and agree with Teresa’s prayer for you! Love ya!
@Tina-Prayers for your great grandson and congratulations!
@Lexi- Good to see you back, I did missed you! Keep persevering! Owning a business is challenging, but you can do it through Him who strengthens you!
I enjoyed the Proverbs and Romans scripture today. I agree Mercy, we should be giving our time and energy to the things of the Lord, and trying to be led by the Spirit. That also means not gloating when our enemies fail, but praying for them.
I thank you all for your prayers for my back and leg pain! (and neck!) I had a rough day yesterday, but I feel the prayers lifting me and strengthening me! I felt much better today!
Amen I hope you all have a blessed and safe week prayers for all
Amen I hope you all have blessed and safe week prayers for all
Good afternoon ladies! It’s morning for me as I work the night shift. Haha.
MERCY thank you for sharing. TINA congratulations. Will be keeping Lorenzo and the family in prayer.
A reminder today to speak what the Lord is saying, not what we come up with.
Have a blessed week Sisters. I am keeping you and yours in prayer.
GRAMSIESUE – I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s residual health issues from chemotherapy. I am glad to see you are exploring options for home healthcare. You definitely need a break, and time to be a loving partner to Steve instead of his caregiver. I’m praying for his neuropathy and Bells Palsey to be resolved so he is not in so much constant pain. And I’m praying he is able to make the trip to his MRI without so much pain. I’m praying for good news from the results of his MRI. I’m remembering you in prayer, asking God to provide you with respite from full time caregiving, and for God’s Presence and Strength to be with you as you walk this road with your husband.
TINA, congratulations on your new great-grandson! What a wonderful blessing. I am praying for Lorenzo that he will be well very soon, and able to go home with his parents.
Thank you all who brought some clarity to the reading on Friday and today. Tina congratulations and hope the little guy feels better soon. Praying for each of you as I read.
Happy Monday,
The proverbs 24 of today was packed with goodness and nutrients. May the Lord build our houses (physical houses, and us the temples of God), may He establish them, and fill them with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:4). May He rescue those who are being taken away to death by the luring of Satan, in our nations, communities, families, etc. and hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter of Satan or their own paths (Proverbs 24:11). May God surround us with wise guidance, abundance of counselors that we may have victory in the battles that we face (Proverbs 24:6).
I am also reminded today, Do not be slothful in serving (Romans 13:11 ESV). Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will he not REPAY man according to his work? (Proverbs 24:12). There used to be a wrong doctrine that bombarded my mind and other new believers back in the day, that says… faith is enough, I don’t need to work, it is by faith and not by works, lest any man should boast. While that is true to obtain salvation (entrance to God’s Kingdom), but it is by works that the Kingdom is expanded, and built upon, from the corner stone of our Lord’s work. Good works are encouraged for God (2 Timothy 3:17), because God will repay us according to our works. Without works, we are rendered complacent and slothful in the body of Christ. It is a dangerous thing! O foolish man, faith without works is dead (James 2:20). May we be encouraged to get up, offer our voluntary services, our giving, our hospitality and help in any capacity that we are able with a cheerful heart, partnering with the Holy Spirit who gives us strength to do things. Echoing RHONDA’s encouragement a while back for us to be involved in ministry/serving work, offer our time and involvement. May we identify where our ministry is, our realm of influence in the body of Christ.
@LEXI B: prayers for your business to prosper beyond measure, and wisdom to navigate and overcome.
@GRAMSIESUE: for Steve and you, grace.
@TINA: for baby Lorenzo, congrats!
@LAUREN GW: praying over your family.
@SEARCHING:❤️
Be blessed dear sisters.
@ CEE GEE reminded us recently of Psalm 29:2- Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness.
Praise report! Our day with our little ones was so great this weekend; there was certainly some strides made, fun shared, beautiful moments and the beginning of additional honesty and clarity from adoptive mom’s end — I was able to answer a little bit but there were various topics opened and unfounded “accusations” made that I did not have the opportunity to refute (which I reeeeally want to) but (1) I am so thankful there was love shared throughout and (2) today’s readings and comments remind me to trust my Creator and His timing and HIS involvement to “fix” what only His hand can do…but mostly His timing cuz I have LOTS I still want to say… :D hahahaha!!
@ ADRIENNE, I know that pattern much to well and the commitment to behave in a godly manner and call on God first and foremost… only to have that crumble in a moment of being faced with unnecessary negativity of any kind. Oops, where did my trust / peace / joy just fly off to?!?
@ GRAMSIESUE – praying; I’m sorry for how hard this is for both of you and, yes, do look for any support that can ameliorate the situation in physical and emotional ways!
@ TINA – I hate vomiting especially in the tiniest ones — praying! But, I like you, trust too shall pass and then…oh my!! Congratulations Baby Lorenzo; you just scored the most amazing great-grandmum!!
❤️ Praying all the requests of my sisters and hoping we can get a repetition of praises and requests again on Friday :D ❤️
Again, thank you to all who prayed for us (whether written here or not)…God bless you.
After this reading, about all I can say is that I am thankful for God’s wisdom, grace, mercy, and promises! No man can measure up to our God. I have spent quite a bit of time in Romans 12 the past few weeks. Rich chapter!
TINA – Congrats, g-grammie! Prayers for little Leo and his family/care team! ❤
SEARCHING – ❤
Praying for each of you!
When I do things in my own strength, I may have victories but they never satisfy that longing in my heart, when I allow God to lead me into victory. Surrender is the true way to victory.
Pride will be the downfall of us all IF we do not submit to God daily and walk in the Spirit. May God give us the desire and strength to overcome the temptation of pride. So many things in life are unfair. Too many evil people seem to get away with their wickedness. But God. He is in control, He sees all things, and vengeance belongs to Him (not me).
There have been a lot of comments on the whole Jephthah killing his daughter thing. I too did a little more research and agree that he more than likely did not sacrifice his daughter as a burnt offering, but sacrificed her to service in the tabernacle. It makes much more sense when looking at the whole passage. Here is a little more info if you’d like to check it out. I looked at various sites and they all concluded the same… https://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/did-jephthah-sacrifice-daughter-to-god.html — Hope this is helpful.
@Tina – congratulations on your first great grandchild! Praying he is better & able to go home soon.
@Adrienne – praying that you will remember to call on God (sooner rather than later) for this morning and every day.
@Grammiesue – much prayers for Steve’s condition to improve. Take heart, although the doctors say it will be 2-3 months before improvement, that’s their timeline not God’s – who is greater! Praying it will take effect much sooner than expected.
Have a blessed Monday my sweet sisters!
Praying for you now ❤️
What’s up with the Ephriamites? Seriously. We’ve read 2 accounts now where they get fighting mad for being left out of a battle yet both times the response was. “Hey! I did call but you didn’t come! “ Sounds like they thought they had a tactic to gain glory and riches without having to do any actual work.
According the Wiersbe: “ More than one expositor has pointed out that the little world “and?” In the phrase “and I will offer it up” can be translated “or”. So the vow can be twofold: Whatever met him when he returned would be dedicated to the Lord (if a person) or sacrificed to the Lord (if an animal”. Since he was met by his daughter, Jephthah gave her to the Lord to serve Him at the tabernacle. Nowhere in the text are we told the Jephthah actually killed his daughter, nor do we find anybody bewailing the girl’s death. The emphasis is the fact that she remained a virgin. It’s difficult to believe that ‘the daughters of Israel’ would establish a custom to celebrate (not lament) the awful sacrifice of a human being, but we can well understand that they would commemorate the devotion and obedience of Jephthah’s daughter in helping her father fulfill his vow.”
Ladies, I covet your prayers. Steve now has neuropathy (from the chemo a year ago) and Bell’s Palsy. He has gone from going to work every day, working on his hobby cars, enjoying life…to bedridden, barely able to walk with a walker, numbness and pain 24/7. I am going to check into home health care because after a week of this I am exhausted. He is having weekly NAD infusions and acupuncture but according to all we read it will be 2-3 months before we see any improvement. His next MRI on his brain is November 14 and we have to drive 3 hours for that so hoping by then he will be able to endure the trip.
Congrats Tina on your great-grandson and prays for his healing.
Hugs to all ❤️
Romans 12:9-21 is perfect for me in this season. It’s a good reminder to love inspite of pain, knowing that God ultimately has it and can do more than what I could ever dream to do.
Tina- Congrats on the new great grandson! Praying for his health!
Kristine I love this! This will be my prayer for today.
Congratulations, Great Grandma!! What a wonderful thing to see, sweet little Lorenzo
Congrats @Tina with Lorenzo!! So cute :)
@Searching- yes, I struggle with this devotional, too. Not what I expected to read. It wasn’t like Jephthah lost to the Ephraimites. He judged for 6 more years. It was a short ruling in comparison to other judges, but still… He had some time. I expected the devotional to be more about how Ephraim was prideful in not helping Gilead out…
I did enjoy reading the large excerpt from Proverbs 24 today, though. Lots of good reminders in there and in Romans 12. I struggle to trust God with vengeance sometimes… Wanting to have control in the result of my pain inflicted by others. Lord, please help me be more tenderhearted.
Something that stood out to me is that reminder in Proverbs to not fret over evil doers. I read Psalm 37 over the weekend and that’s basically the theme of that psalm. That God will not let wickedness continue. Yet, His patience is not our patience… Though, we strive to be like Him. May we hold tight to the victory over wickedness and God’s fair judgement when we witness the wrongdoing and suffering of the innocent. Such a word for today’s world. God bless, She’s!
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We had houseguests Wednesday through Sunday. Last night was going to be a “back-to-routine” night. I did not keep the fire going in the wood stove because I thought hubby wanted it to go out. He neglected to let me know that he did NOT want it to go out, and He did not keep an eye on it himself, and was busy in another room (the reason why I thought we were done “feeding” it). He couldn’t get it going properly again. So he acted out. Neither of us slept well last night, and he apologized this morning for being a jerk. (He was totally acting out in anger, which is his MO when things don’t go according to plan.)
So this morning I feel like MY house of my heart is on fire (but not literally!) Please pray that I call on His name this morning, and know that He will answer me. I did not seek Him last night. (Shame on me. That is my MO when things go “wrong”. I seem to talk to Him AFTER the fact. I must stop that!) I know it is a “little” thing, when others are really, really going through it. But thank you for your prayers.
On a side note… What a beautiful sunrise this morning, and He made it just for us, sweet sisters. What a great God!
Oh, pride, that terrible original sin. I see my own fallen choices reflected in Jephthah’s decisions. How often do I choose my own wisdom instead of God’s… and how often do I fail as a result?
Praying for a good week for all.
I am at odds with the devotions regarding Jephthah, and today’s devo especially has me wondering how the writer got from the Scripture selection to the devo.
Catching up from the past few days, and praying for requests: MARGO, TERESA DONLEY, ALEIDA, LEHUA K, COLLEEN DEVEAU, LYNNE FROM AL, MARTHA HIX, LAUREN GW, RHONDA J, FOSTER MAMA, MANDI, MARI V, BETH GEBHARD, KELLY H, LEXI B, TINA, DONNA WOLCOTT.
CEE GEE – thank you for sharing the Max Lucado selection, reminded me of the phrase “talk is cheap.” And “least likely” – something to think about.
TRACI GENDRON – good response to 3 Things
MERCY – thank you for Friday’s prayer
ADRIENNE – thank you for Leo update. And the widow story – I burst out laughing but a good reminder that sin starts in our hearts and minds… even when we are alone.
RHONDA J – great idea to coordinate with son!
ALYSSA MURDOCK MARTINEZ – agreeing with others on the importance and value of this time of being a SAHM. The ripple of your impact on your children will be far reaching.
TINA – congrats on great grandson, praying for speedy resolution of health issues
You can see the effects of pride in this story. May I check my own pride and my “me, me, me” mentality and fix my eyes on God who is the Author and Provider of all things in my life.
Also Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” had me thinking about the conflict in the Middle East. Lord bring peace to that land and spare innocent lives in your might power. Amen.
Praying everyone has a good week <3
What a challenging Devo
What a gift You have given is Lord in the forgiveness of our sins through the Blood of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
I love a good to-do list, and this one is a doozy. Speaking these words over all of us who are in the thick of it. Let us cling to hope, never forgetting the God who is bigger than all our troubles. Let us take a deep breath, breathing in and out the very name of our God Yahweh. Let us remember to pray, call out, beseech, cast all our care upon the One who wants to lighten our burden. Happy Monday SRT!
Our darkest and most burning sins damage us in profound ways. But hope is never lost. As Zechariah 13:9 says, “I will put this third through the fire; I will refine as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’” Even if the house of your heart is on fire, call on His name and He will answer you.
What beautiful and heartwarming words..
Prayerful I have never made such “rash” vows, that have caused harm or anything else to others..
BUT GOD..
Thank you, Lord God, Thank you..
Happy Monday, wrapped in love, hugs and prayers.❤️
These last two weeks have been a whirlwind, I have been on a cloud as I was made a Great grandma by my eldest grandson. The cutest little boy, with a big name, Lorenzo..❤️
Please could you remember him in your prayers as he has been in hospital for the last few days with projectile vomiting..
BUT GOD..
God is good, this I know.. and this worry too, shall pass.. Amen..
Thank you.❤️
“Because he was called into leadership by men instead of being raised up by God, he was man’s solution to a problem that can only be solved by God.”
Yet if he had sought God’s wisdom and direction, he may have been less prone to rash decisions.
Praying you all have a good week
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