In the Winter 2012 issue of Bible and Spade, we published an article by Dr. John Roskoski, detailing the historical setting and investigation into the meaning of Jephthah's vow, found in Judges 11. The article below was published by Tim Chaffey of Answers in Genesis, and we have received permission to publish an excerpt of it here. The complete article can be found on the AIG website by clicking the link. This is part of an ongoing series of articles dedicated to the subject of child sacrifice and abortion.
Christians primarily hold one of two views concerning this incident in Judges 11. Some argue that Jephthah was a godly man and would never have offered a human sacrifice, especially his own daughter. This view asserts that Jephthah's daughter was dedicated to service in the Tabernacle for the rest of her life. Others argue, such as Dr. Roskoski, that Jephthah actually fulfilled his vow and sacrificed his daughter. For lack of better terms, let's call these two positions the 'dedication view' and the 'sacrifice view.' Four main arguments are frequently used to argue that Jephthah was a godly man and would never have sacrificed his daughter...
Read the rest of this article on the Answers in Genesis website: Jephthah's Vow
Tim Chaffey taught Bible and science classes at the junior and senior high levels for six years. He also served as a pastor for five years. He holds a BS and MA in biblical and theological studies. He has earned a Master of Divinity degree specializing in theology and apologetics at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Th.M in Church History and Theology from Liberty. He currently serves as a writer and editor for Answers in Genesis. Thanks to AIG and Mr. Chaffey for giving ABR permission to excerpt and link this article.
