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Today’s reading—Judges 10–12—includes one of the most difficult sections in the book to make sense of. In chapter 11, we meet Jephthah, the main judge in this section. While being led by the Spirit of God, he makes a vow that seems rash and ultimately tragic. In verses 30–31, he says:

“If you will give the Ammonites into my hand, then whatever comes out from the doors of my house to meet me when I return in peace from the Ammonites shall be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.”

After winning the battle, Jephthah returns home—and it is his daughter, his only child, who comes out to greet him. In faithfulness to his vow and in light of what is commanded in the law (Deuteronomy 23:21–23) he fulfills his promise.

Many scholars try to soften the interpretation, suggesting that Jephthah may have consecrated his daughter to a lifetime of service to the Lord as a virgin, rather than offering her as a literal burnt offering. I guess that could have been when you consider every possible scenario. But unless there is overwhelming evidence to interpret a passage figuratively, I believe we should take Scripture at face value. In this case, the most straightforward—and painful—reading seems to be exactly what happened.

But why would God allow something like this to occur? That’s the wrong question. The better question is, “How could humanity allow such a scenario to happen?” How could the Israelites turn so quickly from their God? How could Adam and Eve—and every one of their descendants, including us—turn our backs on the One True God, who has proven His love over and over again?

The story of Jephthah and his daughter reminds us that sin carries devastating consequences. Yet despite our relentless propensity to leave the God who love us, God sent His one and only Son to rescue us. '

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16).

Jephthah was a man of resolve. He did not back out of what he had committed to do, no matter the cost. In this, he mirrored the faithfulness of Jesus—who was also led by the Spirit, who also faced impossible stakes, and who did not turn back. Jesus vowed to commit to the Father’s plan of salvation. He followed through—all the way to the cross—for our sake.

In Luke 24:27, 44, we’re told that all of Scripture ultimately points to Him:

“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself… Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”

Sometimes Scripture defies our logic—not because it’s unclear, but because it’s uncomfortably clear. When that happens, we might need to take a beat and consider the literal interpretation. God’s Word is not obligated to meet our standards of reasonableness—especially when the cross itself defies all human logic.

Maybe that’s why, even with the tragic outcome, Jephthah might be my favorite judge.

Takeaway: When Scripture challenges your understanding or sensibilities, resist the urge to dismiss its literal meaning too quickly. The right question is not, “Does this make sense to me?” but rather, “Is there compelling biblical reason to read this another way?” God’s Word often stretches us, but never without purpose—and never without pointing us to Jesus.