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 is commonly said, “It is not what you know but who you know.” This means that 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 our integrity is compromised, what might happen? Our victories might be short-lived, tainted, and even bring about our destruction. However, if our relationships are with influential people who have good reputations, we may indeed climb to great heights. Which 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 is also an unlikely choice for a leader.
Jephthah’s unfortunate past and God’s grace
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, Jephthah is requested to be an army commander over the tribes in Gilead (the eastern side of the Jordan). Jephthah is a mighty warrior, but he had been scorned, sent away, and disinherited because his mother was a prostitute (Judges 11:1-8).His own people did not 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 that he will be the leader over 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 this 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 unwisely vows that whatever comes out of his household to meet him when he triumphs over the Ammonites, he will offer up as a burnt offering (Judges 11:31).What is 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. See
- 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 did execute this horrible vow, he was probably influenced by his pagan culture. “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21: 25, NIV).
Another view suggests that the fulfillment of the vow was figurative, not literal. These are the reasons:
- To offer her as a burnt offering 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 an unblemished bull or goat was offered in her place, and she was dedicated totally to God like a Nazirite as part of the 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 literal 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. Because of Israel’s idolatry and wickedness, the Philistines are oppressing them. These enemies are mighty maritime warriors located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and are invading Israel.
As a baby, Samson is an unexpected blessing, a miracle; his parents could not have children because his mother was sterile. The Angel of the LORD (probably a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus) predicts the birth and gives instructions to Samson’s mother and father for the way they are to raise him (Judges 13:17-21).
They are to rear him as a Nazirite, a person specially dedicated to the LORD. His mother must observe certain dietary restrictions in her pregnancy. She is to drink no wine or other fermented drink and eat no unacceptable food (Judges 13:4-5). After Samson is born, he is never to receive a haircut. His long hair is not a new fashion craze; it is a sign of his dedication to the Almighty. Through Samson, the deliverance from the Philistines will begin.
Our Connection
Whether we were raised by Christian parents or not, it does not guarantee we will follow God. Many children turn from the LORD in their teenage years. Each person must be broken of their sin and self-sufficiency and seek a relationship with God (more). Are we rightly connected to Him regardless of our background? 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. It’s not what you know but who you know.
If we have the right connection with the LORD through Jesus Christ, do we make the right choices? Right connections must be coupled with the right choices to gain success with God.
Endnote:
The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T., by Walvoord and Zuck, ©1985, p.402
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:
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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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