S) "30 Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, 'If You will indeed give the sons of Ammon into my hand, 31 then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the sons of Ammon, it shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.'"
Judges 11:30-31 (NASB)
O) The first mistake he makes, is committing to such a blind vow. The second mistake he makes, is when he sees that it is his daughter, his only child, that comes out of the doors first - he still carries out his vow to offer her up as a burnt sacrifice. This is abhorrent to God (see Jeremiah 19:5), and this is an instance where the Old Testament provides an example of something that happened, but should not be repeated. Sometimes (as with this story), the instruction to not do something is not directly attached. So, we have to view God's character, as illustrated throughout the whole Bible, to see that He never commanded this.
A) This story echoes what I wrote about Deuteronomy 23:21-23, on 03/13/2014. It's also a reminder that I need to study the Word of God so that I am more and more familiar with His character. So I can rightly discern and understand a story as a warning, not an example to be imitated. This is a tragic story, and I pray that no mistake I ever make has such terrible consequences.
P) Father, by whatever discipline and intervention it takes, prevent this type of tragedy from ever befalling me! Continue to open my eyes to see Your character, Your will, so that I can correctly understand Your Word. I want to recognize the difference between an example to be repeated, and a cautionary account. Thank You for the grace You have given me, and the mercy for my own foolish mistakes. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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