Thanks to Jean for suggesting the topic, and leading me to a heretofore unexplored Bible story.
Jephthah’s daughter rushing to meet her father upon his return from battle.
And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord: “If you give the Ammonites into my hands, whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering.”(Judges 11:30-31 NIV)
Jephthah, a strong man of low birth, had no family inheritance nor exalted lineage. Living in exile, he was approached by those who had cast him out to save them. They faced a mighty opponent, and total destruction. Jephthah traded his military acumen for a guarantee of a prominent role after leading his troops to victory.
As the Lord fulfilled Jephthah’s prayer, the vow became binding. As he returned home, his only child, a daughter, rushed out of the house to meet him.
When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of timbrels! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter. When he saw her, he tore his clothes and cried, “Oh no, my daughter! You have brought me down and I am devastated. I have made a vow to the Lord that I cannot break.” (Judges 11:34-35 NIV)
The original word used to describe such a sacrifice refers to a burnt offering. Ambivalence arises in whether the “and” in verse 31 could also be translated as “or,” as many scholars have posited. Either the daughter became a heap of ashes in homage to God, or, alternatively, she lived a consecrated life alone in the mountains, dedicated totally to the Lord.
Before this came to pass, the unnamed virgin had two months to bewail her fate, either death or perpetual seclusion. “Or” appears so much better than “and” in this context. Human sacrifice went against Mosaic law, and killing an innocent young woman an abomination. Of course, many thoroughly reprehensible acts occurred throughout history.
Jephthah made a sacrifice regardless of which path he took to honor his promise to God. Since the Bible mentions specifically that the daughter was an only child, her death or consecration meant that he would have no descendants, and his line would end, anathema to a person of his time and ethnicity. Yet, keeping one’s word to God took precedence over all.
If she lived, her life would be lonely, with no promise of husband and children. From this sprang the custom of the daughters of Israel mourning Jephthah’s daughter four days annually. .
The “or” version appears so much more comfortable. Jephthah has made a sacrifice in exchange for victory, and, truly, a merciful God would not require the sacrifice of an innocent maiden to ensure that an enemy is vanquished. Desperation can cause a supplicant to make rash promises, which, if fulfilled, can lead to horribly tragic outcomes.
Lord God, King of heaven and earth, I am facing a difficult decision in my life, and I do not know what road to take. You have given me the awesome power to choose freely as well as the intelligence to choose wisely. Inspire me to make the right decision no matter what it may be.
Let me carefully weigh the reasons on all sides from a human point of view, and then rely on your grace for divine help. When the decision has been reached, let me not look back, in the firm knowledge that I have done my part and have made a right decision in your eyes. Amen. (2heartsnetwork.org)
Contributed by Carol
Monday September 29, 2014
Liturgical Year A: Week 44
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 21
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost