Day 96, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Judges 10–13
Right Connections and Right Choices
It's been said, “It's not what you know, but who you know.” If you establish the right connections, you can ascend the ladder of success. Following this philosophy may allow us to achieve our goals. However, if we compromise our integrity, what could happen? Our victories might be short-lived, tainted, and even bring about our destruction. However, if our relationships are with influential people who have excellent credentials, we may climb to greater heights. Who is the most vital relationship, and how can he help?
The right connection
In our last Bible study, we learned our past connections are of no significance to God. He often uses the most unlikely people—like Gideon, a man who began with small faith. The next dominant Israelite ruler in the book of Judges is Jephthah. He's also an unlikely choice for a leader.
Jephthah's unfortunate past and God's grace
In today's Bible reading, once again, God's people sin, serving foreign gods, and their enemies occupy them. Finding no one to lead them into battle against the Ammonites, the leaders of Israel request Jephthah to be an army commander over the tribes in Gilead. Jephthah is a mighty warrior, but his people scorned, expelled, and disinherited him because his mother was a prostitute (Judges 11:1-8).His own people didn't want Jephthah, but God did. Although Jephthah's background is unfortunate, when Israel needs a leader, they turn to him whom they expelled. The tribal leaders promise Jephthah he'll be the leader of Gilead if he leads their army to victory over the Ammonites. He agrees and calls on God to witness their agreement.
A right connection with God is necessary if we want his help.
Jephthah first tries diplomacy with the king of Ammon, but it fails. Then the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him to lead Israel to victory. However, before the attack on her enemies, he makes a foolish, rash vow to God.
A foolish mistake
Jephthah vows whatever comes out of his household to meet him when he triumphs over the Ammonites, he'll offer as a burnt offering (Judges 11:31).What was he thinking—who might meet him first but his own family? Why does Jephthah make this foolish vow? Perhaps he is afraid of losing the battle and is bargaining with God. Desperation causes us to make unwise commitments.
Did Jephthah offer his daughter up as a burnt offering? At first glance, it appears he did. Please observe:
his expression of grief his daughter's response (Judges 11:35-36) the statement that he did to her as he had vowed (v.39) the yearly four-day remembrance of her by the young Israelite women of the land (vs.39-40). If Jephthah executed this horrible vow, his pagan culture influenced him. “In those days, Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21: 25, NIV).
Another view suggests the fulfillment of the vow was figurative, not literal. These are the reasons:
To offer her as a human sacrifice was a detestable practice for which God's wrath would come upon Israel (Leviticus 18:21; 20:2-5; Deuteronomy 12:31; 18:9-13). No record of judgment followed this incident.
- A burnt offering is a dedication offering. Perhaps, instead of Jephthah's daughter, Jephthah offered an unblemished bull or goat in her place. Maybe, she dedicated herself to God like a Nazirite in fulfillment of a vow (Leviticus 7:16; Numbers 6:1-21).
- His daughter’s lament. Why would she lament about never marrying and remaining a virgin if she would be sacrificed as a literal burnt offering? The prospect of an Israelite woman not marrying or having children was as devastating as death. But, does that warrant an annual four-day remembrance of her? Perhaps she was only lamenting missing out on life’s experiences.
Whether the priests sacrificed Jephthah's daughter as a burnt offering remains a mystery. For more insight, consult The Bible Knowledge Commentary or Got Questions.org. Jephthah's foolish vow teaches us to trust God, not be rash in our decisions, and think before we commit ourselves; our choices will often affect others.
Samson's privileged upbringing
Samson is the next significant judge mentioned in the Bible. Because of Israel's evil behavior and idolatry, the Philistines are oppressing them. These enemies are mighty maritime warriors on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and are invading Israel.
As a baby, Samson is an unexpected blessing, a miracle; his parents couldn't have children because his mother was sterile. The Angel of the LORD predicts the birth and gives instructions to Samson's mother and father for the way they're to raise him (Judges 13:17-21).They're to rear him as a Nazirite, a person dedicated to the LORD. His mother must observe certain dietary restrictions during her pregnancy. She's forbidden to drink wine or other fermented drink and must only eat acceptable food (Judges 13:4-5). After Samson is born, he's never to receive a haircut. His long hair isn't a new fashion craze; it's a sign of his dedication to the Almighty. Through Samson, the deliverance from the Philistines will begin.
Our Connection
Whether Christian parents raised us doesn't guarantee we'll follow God. Many children turn from the LORD in their teenage years. God must break every person of his sin and self-sufficiency before he uses them.
Are we in a right relationship with Him? Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He offers us forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life. A right connection with Him allows us to experience His blessings on earth and ascend to heaven when we die (more). It's not what we know, but who we know that matters.
If we have the right connection with the LORD through Jesus Christ, do we make the right choices? We must couple the right connections with the right choices to gain success with God.
Endnote:
Gilead is the area on the east side of the Jordan
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.402 tells us more about Jephthah
Focus Verses
1Corinthians 1:28-30 (NIV)
He [God] chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-- and the things that are not-- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
Discussion
How do people climb the ladder of success? Of what should they be careful?
Does the way parents bring up children ensure the results? Explain.
What lesson can we learn from Jephthah’s foolish vow?
What does it mean to have the right connection with God? Is that all that is necessary for success? If not, what is?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: In the dark days of the Judges, there is A Light of Hope. Find out what this is in our Next Lesson.
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