Podcasts about Jephthah

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Ron Carlson from Surprise, AZ. Your commitment through Project23 helps deliver God's Word daily with clarity and conviction. This one's for you. Our text today is Judges 12:2-3. And Jephthah said to them, "I and my people had a great dispute with the Ammonites, and when I called you, you did not save me from their hand. And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the Lord gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?" — Judges 12:2-3 Jephthah answered Ephraim's accusation with facts, not feelings—he reminded them that he had called for help, but they didn't show up for the fight. He recounted his risk, his faith, and God's victory. Everything he said was true. But the problem is that facts about the truth aren't always enough to resolve a conflict. His words successfully defended himself, but they didn't defuse the situation. Ephraim was already swelling with pride, and Jephthah's factual defensiveness only pushed them further toward war. The tragedy that followed began here—with words that clarified but didn't reconcile. Conflict isn't just about what's true—it's about how truth is spoken. We can be factually right but relationally wrong. Words meant to defend can still escalate if they come from a place of pride, frustration, or defensiveness. James 1:19 says, "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger." But when we reverse the order, and we are slow to listen and fast to defend, relationships fracture. Leaders especially must weigh their words carefully, because words can either be water for peace or fuel for war. Think about your own conflicts—with your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, or your church family. Do you defend yourself first, or defuse the argument first? Do your words aim to win the argument or to win the person? The difference often determines whether conflict escalates or dissolves. Let's be men and women who lead well by listening well. ASK THIS: In my last conflict, did my words escalate or defuse? Am I more focused on proving my point or preserving unity? How can I practice being "quick to hear, slow to speak" this week? DO THIS: The next time you face a conflict, pause before speaking. Pray for God's wisdom, listen fully, and choose words that heal rather than harm. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to use words that build peace, not walls. Guard me from defensiveness, and give me wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to stay silent. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Slow to Anger."

Monday, 10 November 2025   Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Matthew 14:7   “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask” (CG).   In the previous verse, it was noted that Herod had a birthday celebration and that Herodias' daughter danced for him, pleasing him. Matthew continues the narrative, saying, “Whence with an oath He assented to give her what if she should ask.”   The word that confirms the oath is homologeó, to assent. It signifies “to voice the same conclusion” (HELPS Word Studies). What is probably intended is affirming a matter by repeating it, a common Hebrew form of speaking, such as, “I vow with a vow to do this thing,” or “Vowing with a vow, he confirmed his word.” In this case, the repetition is seen in the exchange as recorded in lengthier statements in Mark 6 –   “And when Herodias' daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.' 23 He also swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.'”   Herod was enamored with the girl's dancing and wanted to reward her for it publicly, something that would demonstrate his magnanimity to those around him. When assenting to his oath, he binds himself to whatever she asks. It is not a wise way of engaging in gift giving. However, being the king, the one who is offered something with such an oath would not be expected to abuse the request, thus eliciting the disfavor of the king.   Life application: In Scripture, people are seen to make vows that can be taken as rash and unwise. A glaring example of this is found in Judges 11 –   Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and passed through Mizpah of Gilead; and from Mizpah of Gilead he advanced toward the people of Ammon. 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord's, and I will offer it up as a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah advanced toward the people of Ammon to fight against them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 33 And he defeated them from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to Abel Keramim, with a very great slaughter. Thus the people of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 34 When Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, there was his daughter, coming out to meet him with timbrels and dancing; and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes, and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low! You are among those who trouble me! For I have given my word to the Lord, and I cannot go back on it.”   Jephthah made a vow that, unfortunately, cost him the life of his daughter. He understood that despite the consequences of his vow, it was one made to the Lord, and it had to be fulfilled. The reason for this story being included in Scripture is to make a point about what God is doing in redemptive history concerning salvation and His favor or rejection of a particular people group.   To understand what is going on in that passage, you can refer to the Superior Word sermons on Judges 11. As for our words today, a point made by Jesus and which is repeated by both Paul and James is that when we speak, we are to refrain from making vows concerning such matters.   Instead, we are to let our Yes be Yes and our No be No. In other words, when we say we are going to do or not do something, our integrity should be so accepted by others that they know we will perform our word. Additional vows and oaths are unnecessary and will detract from what the Lord expects of us.   This does not mean that we are not to make any oath at all. In society, we must swear oaths in court, on legal documents (with our signature, for example), etc. But when speaking, we should refrain from people thinking there is any necessity to go beyond a simply stated affirmation concerning our intent.   Lord God, help us to be people of integrity where others can trust our words, taking them at face value. Help us to remember that when we speak, You are being evaluated through the performance and accomplishment of what we say. Help us to remember this and follow through, to Your glory. Amen.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to James Thorton from Gilbert, AZ. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 12:1. The men of Ephraim were called to arms, and they crossed to Zaphon and said to Jephthah, "Why did you cross over to fight against the Ammonites and did not call us to go with you? We will burn your house over you with fire." — Judges 12:1 Fresh off a great victory against the Ammonites, Jephthah faced a new conflict—not with enemies outside, but with brothers inside Israel. The Ephraimites confronted him with jealousy and wounded pride, accusing him of leaving them out. Their anger burned so hot that they threatened to burn Jephthah's house down. Seriously?! This wasn't an issue of principle—it was pride. Instead of focusing on God's deliverance and celebrating that, Ephraim turned inward, making petty issues the main thing. And division within the family would now come at a high cost. This story reminds us that one of the enemy's oldest tricks is to turn God's people against each other. When jealousy, comparison, and wounded pride take root, the church and family of God fight the wrong battles. We've all seen it—church conflicts over secondary issues, friendships fractured by ego, ministries undermined by rivalry. When that happens, the mission stalls. Instead of fighting for God's kingdom, we fight each other. Pride will always find something to be offended about. Pride has a selfish and self-focused nature. But humility sees and celebrates God's victories, even when we weren't the ones in the spotlight. Godly strength isn't found in competing with brothers and sisters in Christ—it's found in uniting under the same Father. The Father of all mankind, and celebrating with those whom God chooses to use. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to fight petty battles instead of focusing on God's mission? How do jealousy and pride show up in my relationships? Do I celebrate God's work in others—or resent when I'm not included? DO THIS: Today, choose unity over rivalry. Celebrate someone else's success, thank God for their role in His kingdom, and resist the pull of petty battles. PRAY THIS: Father, protect me from jealousy and pride. Keep me from wasting energy fighting my brothers and sisters when You've called us to stand together. Give me a heart that celebrates Your victories—whoever You choose to use. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same God."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:37-40. So she said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me: leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and weep for my virginity, I and my companions." So he said, "Go." Then he sent her away for two months, and she departed, she and her companions, and wept for her virginity on the mountains. And at the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. She had never known a man, and it became a custom in Israel that the daughters of Israel went year by year to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year. — Judges 11:37-40 Jephthah's vow led to tragedy, but his daughter's response left a legacy. She asked for a couple of months to mourn the life she would never live. Israel remembered her—not as a victim of her father's foolishness, but as a symbol of courage and faithfulness. The story ends with Jephthah's daughter's name celebrated, not his. Her quiet submission outshone his reckless vow. What should have been remembered as his great military victory became overshadowed by her sacrificial legacy. Legacies are often forged in the tension between human failure and faithful response. Jephthah's name faded, but his daughter was remembered year after year. She teaches us that faithfulness, even in loss, can outshine the failures around us. Every one of us is leaving a legacy. The question is—what kind? Rash vows, selfish choices, and prideful words will leave scars. But faith, sacrifice, and surrender will leave legacies that point others to God. We live in a culture obsessed with winning, achievement, and success. But your true legacy isn't one success—it's a life of sacrifice. The sacrifices you make matter more than one great success. And sometimes, the most powerful testimony comes not from victory but from a single sacrifice that brings sorrow and salvation. Just like Jesus! ASK THIS: What kind of legacy am I building—one of pride or one of faith? How will my words and actions be remembered by those closest to me? Am I living in a way that points others to God, even in hardship? DO THIS: Pause and reflect: what do you want your children, friends, or community to remember about your walk with God? Don't wait until later to start shaping that memory. Live faithfully today, even in small things, because today's faith builds tomorrow's legacy. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to guard my words. Protect me from hasty promises and help me walk in steady obedience. May my commitments honor You and bless those around me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Find Us Faithful."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about our mission to teach every verse of the Bible through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:34-36. Then Jephthah came to his home at Mizpah. And behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child; besides her he had neither son nor daughter. And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the Lord, and I cannot take back my vow." And she said to him, "My father, you have opened your mouth to the Lord; do to me according to what has gone out of your mouth, now that the Lord has avenged you on your enemies, on the Ammonites." — Judges 11:34-36 After the triumph, tragedy walked through the door. Jephthah returned from battle only to be greeted by his only child, the first to come out of his house. His rash vow now collided with a harsher reality. Notice the irony: victory brought national peace but personal grief. His daughter's faithfulness is striking. She urges her father to keep his word, even at her cost. But Jephthah's words expose the danger of zeal without wisdom. His vow was never required by God. It was self-imposed, driven by misplaced bargaining instead of trust. Words matter. A reckless promise can entangle us in sorrow, regret, and even sin. Jephthah's vow was foolishness, not faith. Yet how often do we do the same? We make bargains with God: "If You get me through this, I'll do that." But God doesn't care about our rash vows. He knows we don't keep them because we don't keep his. What he wants is our faithful trust. At the same time, Jephthah's daughter models a faith we can learn from. Her submission to God's will, even through her father's failure, reveals an important truth: our decisions ripple outward, affecting the people closest to us. Here's the warning and the invitation: don't let reckless zeal replace faithful obedience. God delights in your trust, not your hasty promises. ASK THIS: Where have I made rash commitments instead of wise obedience? Am I bargaining with God instead of simply trusting Him? How do my choices affect the people closest to me? DO THIS: Pause today before making promises—to God, to others, to yourself. Choose faithfulness over impulse. If you've already made a rash commitment, confess it, ask God for wisdom, and realign your words with His will. PRAY THIS: Lord, teach me to guard my words. Protect me from hasty promises and help me walk in steady obedience. May my commitments honor You and bless those around me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Take My Life."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Chris Gilbert from Elizabethtown, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:32-33. So Jephthah crossed over to the Ammonites to fight against them, and the Lord gave them into his hand. And he struck them from Aroer to the neighborhood of Minnith, twenty cities, and as far as Abel-keramim, with a great blow. So the Ammonites were subdued before the people of Israel. — Judges 11:32-33 After all the rejection, diplomacy, and buildup, the battle finally came. But notice how quickly the narrator reports it: "the Lord gave them into his hand." The emphasis isn't on Jephthah's skill, Israel's strategy, or even the scale of the victory—it's on the Lord. The sweeping victory across twenty cities shows this wasn't chance or human brilliance. It was God's decisive act of deliverance. Israel's repentance prepared the way, but God's power won the day. We often act as if everything depends on us—our effort, our strategy, our fight. But Scripture reminds us again and again: the battle belongs to the Lord. That doesn't mean you sit passively. Jephthah still crossed over and engaged the enemy. But the outcome was decided by God. Faith means stepping into the fight, but confidence comes from knowing it's God's strength, not ours, that secures victory. Your own battles—whether against sin, fear, addiction, or opposition—are too big for you alone. But they are not too big for the Lord. The same God who subdued twenty cities by his power can subdue the enemies pressing against your soul. So why not ask him to fight, and you be faithful? Name a battle before you today. Then declare out loud: "This battle belongs to the Lord." Ask God for the strength to step in faith and let him win the victory. ASK THIS: Where am I tempted to think victory depends on me alone? Am I fighting in my strength or resting in God's? What would change if I really believed the battle belongs to the Lord? DO THIS: Name one battle you're fighting right now. Out loud, declare: "This battle belongs to the Lord." Then ask Him for strength to step in faith and let Him win the victory. PRAY THIS: Lord, thank You that my battles are Yours. Help me fight with courage but rest in Your strength. Teach me to trust that victory belongs to You alone. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Battle Belongs To The Lord."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Jeff Grasty from Rock Hill, SC. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:29-31. Then the Spirit of the Lord was upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh and passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed on to the Ammonites. And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, "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." — Judges 11:29-31 Here is that terminology again: "the Spirit of the Lord clothed Jephthah." Meaning God himself equipped him with power for the battle. Victory was already guaranteed because God was already present. But Jephthah didn't rest in that assurance. He made a vow—an unnecessary bargain with God. This was the irony: the Spirit of God was enough, yet Jephthah bartered like it wasn't. Jephthah complicated his doubt with a detrimental bargain. We are all guilty of this. God gives us the Holy Spirit, the very presence and power that raised Jesus from the dead. Yet instead of moving forward in faith, we add conditions. We say, "God, if you show up, I'll be faithful. If you bless me, then I'll obey. If you fix this, then I'll finally trust You." When he already lives within us. But bargaining with God is not faith—it's fear dressed up as faith. It reveals our insecurity more than our devotion. The Spirit of God already provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Remember, when you add conditions, you don't secure more of God's favor—you forfeit the peace of trusting Him. The Spirit is enough. Always has been. Always will be. So identify where you've been making deals with God, and instead act in simple, Spirit-led obedience. ASK THIS: Where am I complicating God's promises with my own conditions? How am I bargaining with God instead of simply believing Him? What step of faith could I take today to show I trust His Spirit is enough? DO THIS: Stop adding fine print to God's promises. Identify one area where you've been making deals with God, and instead act in simple, Spirit-led obedience. PRAY THIS: Lord, forgive me for complicating what You've already completed. Help me to rest in Your Spirit, trust Your promises, and move forward in bold faith without bargaining. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Same Power."

Faith That Falters (Jephthah) | HEBREWS

| S03 E10 | This week on the Thinking Faith Catholic Podcast, Deacon Eric Gurash and Dr. Brett Salkeld respond to more thoughtful questions from the St. Jerome's Youth Group in Hyattsville, Maryland. Together, they explore some of the most profound mysteries of Christian faith — free will, sin, and God's purpose for humanity. Why would God create people knowing they would sin? How essential is free will to genuine love and faith? What does redemption reveal about the worth of every human being? Drawing from theology, personal experience, and pastoral ministry, Deacon Eric and Dr. Brett reflect on how young people can grow in faith through both questions and community. This podcast is made possible by your generous donations to our Archbishop's Appeal: https://bit.ly/ArchReginaGiving2025 04:29 Podcast Questions 07:31 The Story of Mary and Joseph 10:21 Moral Complexities and Sin 29:35 The Silence of God in Jephthah's Story 30:45 The Goodness of Creation and Human Life 32:12 The Value of Human Existence Despite Sin 34:08 Parental Perspective on Sin and Goodness 37:22 Freedom and Authentic Love 38:32 The Role of Freedom in Human Goodness 44:36 AI and the Future of Human Good 46:09 The Inevitability of Sin and God's Response 53:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Terry Mishcler from Mechanicsburg, PA. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:12–28. Then Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said, "What do you have against me, that you have come to me to fight against my land?" And the king of the Ammonites answered the messengers of Jephthah, "Because Israel on coming up from Egypt took away my land, from the Arnon to the Jabbok and to the Jordan; now therefore restore it peaceably." Jephthah again sent messengers to the king of the Ammonites and said to him, "Thus says Jephthah: Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the Ammonites, but when they came up from Egypt, Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh. Israel then sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, 'Please let us pass through your land,' but the king of Edom would not listen. And they sent also to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. So Israel remained at Kadesh. "Then they journeyed through the wilderness and went around the land of Edom and the land of Moab and arrived on the east side of the land of Moab and camped on the other side of the Arnon. But they did not enter the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the boundary of Moab. Israel then sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, 'Please let us pass through your land to our country,' but Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory, so Sihon gathered all his people together and encamped at Jahaz and fought with Israel. And the Lord, the God of Israel, gave Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they defeated them. So Israel took possession of all the land of the Amorites, who inhabited that country. And they took possession of all the territory of the Amorites from the Arnon to the Jabbok and from the wilderness to the Jordan. So then the Lord, the God of Israel, dispossessed the Amorites from before his people Israel; and are you to take possession of them? Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? And all that the Lord our God has dispossessed before us, we will possess. Now are you any better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend against Israel, or did he ever go to war with them? While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the cities that are on the banks of the Arnon, 300 years, why did you not deliver them within that time? I therefore have not sinned against you, and you do me wrong by making war on me. The Lord, the Judge, decide this day between the people of Israel and the people of Ammon." But the king of the Ammonites did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him. — Judges 11:12–28 Instead of rushing to war, Jephthah raises his voice. His first move is diplomacy, which requires some courage and confidence. As he engages with the Ammonite king, he realizes that he is being sold "fake news." Because fake news is not a new phenomenon. And he is using fake news to rally his troops and justify his invasion, but Jephthah calls him out. He recounts the truth about Israel's pilgrimage, God's hand in their victories, and that Israel never stole and parcel of Ammonite land. Jephthah knew the history, even as an illegitimate son, so he didn't need to distort the truth or negotiate out of fear. He stood firm, trusted the facts, and left the outcome up to God: "The LORD, the Judge, decide this day." Godly leaders never rush into battles that they can settle with truth. We live in a time where everyone is quick to argue, fight, and cancel—but wise leaders know when to pause, speak truth clearly, and let God be their defender.. Sometimes we wrongly believe silence means weakness or that diplomacy means compromise. But truth is a weapon. When someone lies about you, when accusations come, when history gets twisted—don't panic. Stand on what God has done. Like Jephthah, rehearse God's past faithfulness, cling to His Word, and let God be the Judge. Maybe you're facing a relational conflict, workplace injustice, or someone twisting your story. Your instinct might be to lash out, prove your point, or fight fire with fire. But remember: truth is stronger than lies, and God is the ultimate Judge. When we stand on his justice, we fight from a place of confidence, not insecurity. ASK THIS: Do I rush to fight back, or do I stand on truth first? How often do I trust God to be the Judge instead of trying to play judge myself? Am I confident enough in God's past faithfulness to trust Him with present conflicts? DO THIS: Before you step into a fight this week—pause. Ask: Can this be handled by truth, not conflict? Then, speak truth with clarity and leave the verdict to God. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me to trust You as the Judge of every situation. Teach me to stand firm in truth, to speak with wisdom, and to fight only the battles You call me to. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Defender."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Joe Ebner from Palos Heights, IL. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:4-11. After a time the Ammonites made war against Israel. And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. And they said to Jephthah, "Come and be our leader, that we may fight against the Ammonites." But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "Did you not hate me and drive me out of my father's house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?" And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "That is why we have turned to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the Ammonites and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead." Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me home again to fight against the Ammonites, and the LORD gives them over to me, I will be your head." And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "The LORD will be witness between us, if we do not do as you say." So Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and leader over them. And Jephthah spoke all his words before the LORD at Mizpah. — Judges 11:4-11 Jephthah wasn't rejected because of his sin—his father's sexual immorality led to his illegitimate birth, and the people unjustly cast him out. They hated him for what wasn't his fault. Now, years later, with the Ammonites threatening, they realized the man they had despised was the leader they needed. At Mizpah, a sacred place of covenant renewal, they made him their head and leader. The very place where God's people often sought God's direction became the stage for God exposing their error and redirecting their future. The one they rejected becomes their redemption. Hmm, I wonder where we have heard that before? Maybe in the New Testament? Someone else's injustice against you, that you unjustly suffer, never nullifies God's calling. God often uses human rejection to display his sovereignty. Jephthah's brothers and community had written him off, but God had not. And when their crisis revealed their stupidity, God used the man they discarded to deliver them. From discarded to deliverer. How about that! Do you judge others unjustly? Or do you disqualify yourself because of something someone did to you in the past? Remember, God has a longer and deeper view of every situation. He redeems shattered stories. He eventually exposes wrong judgments. And when he raises his leaders, it's not based on human approval but divine appointment. Maybe you've been rejected, sidelined, or mistreated. Don't let that seed of bitterness take root. Like Jephthah, your story may become the very evidence that God alone lifts leaders and redeems injustice. And when he does, may we—like Jephthah—ground our leadership not in bitterness but in the Lord. Note Jephthah's words: "If the LORD gives them over to me, I will be your head." ASK THIS: Have I judged someone harshly for what wasn't their fault? Do I believe God can redeem injustice and turn rejection into calling? Am I willing to ground leadership and influence in God's appointment rather than people's approval? DO THIS: Think of someone you've wrongly judged—or a place you've felt unjustly judged yourself. Confess it to God. Ask Him to replace bitterness with trust, and injustice with faith in His timing. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for redeeming the places of injustice in my life. Forgive me for judging others wrongly and help me see them as You do. Teach me to trust that rejection never has the final word—Your calling does. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God of My Restoration."

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Today's shout-out goes to Troy Longen from Badger, MN. Thank you for your partnership with us through Project23. Our text today is Judges 11:1-3. Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior, but he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead was the father of Jephthah. And Gilead's wife also bore him sons. And when his wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out and said to him, "You shall not have an inheritance in our father's house, for you are the son of another woman." Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob, and worthless fellows collected around Jephthah and went out with him. — Judges 11:1-3 Jephthah enters our story under a dark cloud of shame—born of a prostitute (by the adulterous afair of Gilead), he is rejected by his half-brothers, and pushed out of his father's household. He ends up in Tob, surrounded by a gang of deadbeat outsiders with nowhere else to belong. From a natural perspective, Jephthah looked disqualified for any kind of leadership. But God often works through the unlikely, shaping leaders out of rejects. The very rejection that pushed Jephthah away was the tool God would use to prepare him for Israel's deliverance. Rejection stings. Family chaos always cuts deep. Being told you don't belong by your family of origin because of your father's sin can and usually does scar you for life. But rejection on a human plane doesn't disqualify you in God's economy—it often prepares you. Just think about your testimony. God makes leaders out of leftovers because God is the one writing the story. Think about it: Moses was a murderer in exile before he led Israel. David was the forgotten youngest son before he became king. Jephthah was driven away as illegitimate, but God would raise him up as a deliverer. The same is true for us—God redeems rejection by reassigning it for a divine purpose. Your rejection may be the exact place where God wants to demonstrate his power in your life. The rejection that made you feel small might become the stage for God's greatness. The voices that have said "you don't belong" can be drowned out by the voice of the Father who says, "you are mine called to a special mission." Don't resent rejection; bring it to God today. Name that wound, confess the pain, and ask him to redeem it for his glory. Believe that God wastes nothing—not even the broken pieces of your past. And then get ready... watch as God makes a leader out of the leftovers. ASK THIS: Where have I experienced rejection that still stings today? Do I believe that God can redeem even my deepest wounds for His purpose? How might the people I consider "worthless fellows" actually be the place where God is shaping me? DO THIS: Instead of resenting rejection, bring it to God today. Name the wound, confess the pain, and ask Him to redeem it for His glory. Believe that He wastes nothing—not even the broken pieces of your past. PRAY THIS: Father, thank You that rejection does not define me—Your calling does. Heal the wounds that make me feel small, redeem the places of pain, and prepare me to walk in Your purpose with confidence and faith. Amen. PLAY THIS: "One More Day."

This episode takes a look at Judges 11, which is the story of Jephthah.

In our last talk, we explored a number of Spirit-Filled people in the Old Testament– guys like Joseph, Bezalel, Saul, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson… In today's Talk, we focus only on one Person—Jesus—and how He, too, was Spirit-Filled. So, the title of Talk 3 is Spirit-Filled Jesus. Wait a minute. Isn't Jesus God? Why would He need the Spirit? Yes, He is God. But Jesus is also fully human. He relied on the Spirit. You'll find the Spirit intertwined with the earthly life of Jesus, from beginning to end… One of the beautiful titles of the Holy Spirit is Helper. By calling the Spirit Helper, Jesus is perhaps telling us: The Spirit is what you need Him to be right now. He will meet you where you are. The key message of Talk 3 is: You need the Helper.

As Jephthah's turbulent story comes to an end, we step through the quieter judges who followed—Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon. Together, their rule spans 31 years, offering Israel brief moments of peace between storms. Each judge, from Jephthah's vow to Abdon's legacy, reflects a nation caught between faith and forgetfulness. This episode closes the chapter on Jephthah and leads us toward the rise of Samson—the next mighty yet flawed deliverer of Israel. Engagement & Support If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow The History of the Bible on your favorite podcast platform. Your ratings and reviews help others discover the show and support the creation of future episodes. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Follow us on Facebook for updates, episode discussions, and behind-the-scenes insights. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form. Highlights Jephthah's vow and legacy The quieter judges: Ibzan, Elon, and Abdon The debate over Ibzan and Boaz Peace and decline in the late Judges period Preparing for the rise of Samson #HistoryOfTheBible #BiblePodcast #BookOfJudges #Jephthah #Ibzan #Elon #Abdon #Boaz #Samson #IsraeliteHistory #BiblicalArchaeology #BibleStudy #OldTestament #BiblicalHistory #FaithAndFailure #AncientIsrael #JudgesOfIsrael #BibleStories #PodcastCommunity #ChristianPodcast Sources ESV Study Bible Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV) ESV Archaeology Study Bible New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT) Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel The Earth and Its Peoples: A Global History WorldHistory.org BiblicalArchaeology.org ArmstrongInstitute.org Chabad.org

The Outcast God Chose October 19, 2025 AM Elwyn Johnston Judges 11 Verse of the Week: “Now the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah” Judges 11:29 1. Let God use rejection to refine you “Jephthah was the son of a harlot. And Gilead was the father” Judges 11:1 “when Gilead's wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out” Judges 11:2 Refining leads to redirection “Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob” Judges 11:3 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20 Refining comes before release. 2. Let God redeem your rejection “When the sons of Ammon fought against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah” Judges 11:5 You are redeemed to go. “whatever the Lord our God has driven out before us, we will possess it.” Judges 11:24 We go in the power of the Spirit. “Now the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah” Judges 11:29 “The is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.” Zechariah 4:6

No matter where you've come from, you'll find a spiritual home, great friends and a church family with us. Our church community is here to love people and invite them to join us in a growing relationship with Jesus. Connect with us anytime at https://www.thelakes.church The post Jephthah's daughter (Brian Paris) appeared first on The Lakes Church Cairns.

Minister Bree Robinson takes a deep dive into the Old Testament book of Judges to analyze the life of Jephthah and the children of Israel's cyclical nature of sin, rebellion, and deliverance. In this powerful message, she challenges listeners to move beyond a transactional relationship with God—the kind that says, "If you do this for me, I will do that for you." Discover the profound truth of God's love under the New Covenant and find freedom from the guilt, resentment, and regret that come from dwelling in the "ifs" of life. Key Teaching Points: -- You Cannot Serve Two Masters: The message begins by exploring the Israelites' confession of forsaking God and serving Baal (Judges 10:10). This is quickly tied to the modern danger of serving money, allowing monetary value to dictate our decisions and obedience. -- The Reminder of Deliverance: God's response to their sin—"Did not I deliver you?"—is a call to remember His faithfulness in bringing us out of personal bondage, such as depression and anger, reminding us to give Him glory for where He's brought us from. -- Forgiving the "Going Back": Minister Robinson encourages self-forgiveness and accepting God's forgiveness, acknowledging that like the Israelites, we often return to the very things He delivered us from, but His love prevails under the new covenant. -- The Danger of Bargaining: Jephthah's fateful vow—making a deal with God for victory—serves as a stark warning against trying to obligate or manipulate the Almighty. The lesson: God is worthy of all praise and obedience before and without a promised return. -- Choose Love Over Gloating: When Jephthah's brethren came back needing his help, his initial reaction was to gloat and remind them of their past wrong. The minister challenges us to emulate Christ's love by pulling closer and elevating those who once did us wrong. -- The Power of Pure Obedience: Jephthah's daughter demonstrates an ultimate form of honor and pure obedience by accepting her father's vow, teaching us to embrace the high calling God has placed on our lives and to "stay pure" to our divine purpose. Scriptures for Further Study -- Judges 10:10-16 -- Judges 11:1-3, 7-9, 29-39 -- Matthew 6:24 -- Romans 5:8 ******* Find more information on our website: https://www.saltandlightcovenant.com/

In one of the Bible's most troubling stories, Christopher and Karyl unpack Jephthah's tragic vow and reveal how it warns us against transactional faith — reminding us that God's love is never earned but freely given.

So far, we may have been surprised by some of the inclusions in Hebrews 11 - complicated men like Samson, Jacob, and Gideon - and men we may not know a lot about, like Jephthah.But today's man of God, David, comes as NO surprise. Here is a man after God's own heart, a man who sought to honor God and from whom Jesus Himself would one day come!And yet, David is himself a man of many shortcomings and complications. David sinned with Bathsheba, when he lied and murdered to cover up that sin, when he numbered the people, and when he failed to address issues within his own family (as with Tamar and Absalom, for example). Turn with me to 1 and 2 Samuel and Psalm 51, as we learn just as much from David's failings as we do from his successes in our quest to walk by faith through Hebrews 11!(RAR2025EP42)

This episode features a full length Bible study taught by Pastor Jack Abeelen of Morningstar Christian Chapel in Whittier, California.If today you prayed with Pastor Jack to receive the Lord, we'd love to hear about it and get you started on the right foot. Visit us online at: https://morningstarcc.org/born-again/To see more of Pastor Jack's Bible studies, visit our Morningstar Christian Chapel channel at https://www.youtube.com/@morningstarcc.To subscribe to our Podcast newsletter go to http://eepurl.com/iGzsP6.If you would like to support our electronic ministry, you may do so by going to our donations page at https://morningstarcc.churchcenter.com/giving/to/podcast.Visit our church website at https://morningstarcc.org.

Just after Jephthah's great victory he, like Gideon is confronted by the tribe of Ephraim for the slight to their honor of not being invited to the war. Unlike Gideon, Jephthah decides to escalate the confrontation into war, and the reason is clear. Jephthah is still in pain from what he forced himself to do to his only daughter, and the way that Ephraim confronts him triggers him into a violent response. And in the end, Ephraim pokes the proverbial bear and pays the price for their own pride.

In this episode, we follow Jephthah, the outcast turned warrior, as he leads the people of Gilead against the Ammonites. From his unusual vow to the shocking consequences that follow, we explore how one man's faith, mistakes, and leadership shaped Israel during a turbulent time. We'll also see the deadly civil war with Ephraim and the first recorded use of dialect as a tribal distinction. History, faith, and the human cost of vows collide in a story that still resonates today. Highlights Jephthah's rise from exile to military leader The vow and its controversial fulfillment Battle against the Ammonites Civil war with Ephraim Lessons from Israel's tribal conflicts If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow The History of the Bible on your favorite podcast platform. Your ratings and reviews help others discover the show and support the creation of future episodes. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Follow us on Facebook: The History of the Bible to join the conversation and stay updated. #Jephthah #BookOfJudges #Ammonites #Gilead #BiblicalHistory #IsraeliteHistory #BiblicalVows #AncientWarfare #CivilWar #TribalConflicts #Shibboleth #Ephraim #OldTestamentStories #BibleStudy #FaithAndLeadership #HistoricalInsight #BiblicalCulture #JudgesOfIsrael #AmmoniteConflict #BiblePodcast Sources ESV Study Bible ESV Archaeology Study Bible Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV) New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT) BiblicalArchaeology.org Chabad.org Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel Bible Mapper Atlas My Jewish Learning Bible Hub

You probably have never heard of this guy, but don't turn the program off yet!Jephthah! Try to say THAT name three times fast!Jephthah is the next "hall of faither" whom God mentions in Hebrews 11:32, and is called a "mighty man of valor" in Judges 11. And yet, his childhood is fraught with bullying, sorrow, and rejection. Despite Jephthah's bumpy start, God had great plans for Jephthah, proving yet again that the Lord is a God of great plans and mercy.Turn in your Bibles to Hebrews 11 and Judges 11, as we learn about this little-known but mighty character, Jephthah.(RAR2025EP41)

#630 Jephthah's Victory and Failing, Devotional Life with Paul and Jeanne

The functional path of oneness is not an abstract unity but a lived encounter of utter dependence. Western thought, enslaved by the grammar of the Anglo-Saxons, treats the human as an individual: a self-contained atom, an object unto itself. It imagines freedom as isolation, and isolation as freedom. But this supposed independence becomes sterility: the atomized person, cut off from the Shepherd's breath, is lost in a sea of thorns, choked by its own irrelevance.True independence lies not in the language of atoms but in the biology of divine anatomies, in the irreducibility of God's living functions. The Semitic root does not define a solitary “one” but a functional, dependent, and connected one. Every creature is undoubtedly one, yet cannot sustain itself any more than a cell can live apart from the body.As the body cannot live without its head, the tree without the earth withers.The triliteral root—three consonants binding the Tree of Life to the Master who gives it breath—embodies this living unity. Each consonant functions only in relation to the others; none can speak alone. Like branches drawing life through hidden roots, utility flows from dependence on him, not autonomy.In this linguistic body, the Semitic scrolls convey the unity of divine oneness: connection without possession, coherence without control. To be yaḥid is to be fragile, dependent, and open without self-reference: the earthen vessel through which the breath of ha-ʾEḥad flows.Western language, by contrast, breeds an unconscious polytheism of the self. When every person becomes an independent atom, the world fills with gods. Each will asserts its own dominion; each word competes for sovereignty. Polytheism, at its base, is war: the multiplication of possessive wills in endless collision. The Lukan crowd becomes a pantheon of thorns, a battlefield of competing gods. The soil of faith is twisted into a field of confrontation, where the multitude gathers against the Lord and his Christ to suffocate the one who brings the life-giving breath of his instruction.Yet within that suffocating crowd stands the yaḥid, Jairus, whose “only daughter”—his yeḥidah—lies dying. His lineage collapses; his name withers. Yet in this desolation, he does not press or grasp; he kneels before the “one.” There, in the stillness of dependence, the breath returns, and the Shepherd that the cares of this life cannot choke breathes life into the earthen vessel that has ceased to strive.μονογενής (monogenes) / י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) / و-ح-د (wāw-ḥāʾ-dāl)One and only; single of its kind; only-born; only, only one, solitary, unique.“She was his only one [יְחִידָה (yeḥidah)]; he had no other son or daughter.” (Judges 11:34 )Here יָחִיד (yaḥid) expresses the fragility of the earthen vessel. In verse 34, the human line rests upon a single, irreplaceable life. Jephthah's entire legacy depends on his yeḥidah; when she is offered, the limits of family and human continuity are laid bare. The father's grief, bound to his only daughter, exposes the futility of lineage and the inevitability of dependence on God. The yaḥid becomes the mirror through which the insufficiency of man encounters the sufficiency of God.“Deliver my life from the sword, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the power of the dog.” (Psalm 22:21) LXX 21David cries from the edge of annihilation. His yeḥidati (“my only one”) refers to his only life (nefeš). He stands surrounded by predators, stripped of every defense, holding nothing but the breath that God alone can sustain. In that setting, ha-yaḥid encounters ha-ʾEḥad; the singular human breath encounters the One God who gives it breath. The weakness of the individual, the threatened “only life”, is the functional context of י־ח־ד (yod-ḥet-dalet) where triliteral replaces human vulnerability with God's sufficiency.“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone [יָחִיד (yaḥid)] and afflicted.” (Psalm 25:16 ) LXX 24Here, yaḥid is not emotional loneliness but martial isolation: the condition of a soldier or supplicant with no human ally, no support, no constituency. The psalmist is cut off from every network of defense; he stands as the yaḥid before ha-ʾEḥad. His solitude is not inward melancholy but strategic exposure. He is a man encircled and undone, left with no strength but God's. In that position, the oneness of God supplants the weakness of the individual, and dependence itself becomes the ground of divine action.“Rescue my life from their ravages, my only one [יְחִידָתִי (yeḥidati)] from the lions.” (Psalm 35:17) LXX 34The psalmist again names his life (nefeš) his yeḥidah: his one, irreplaceable self surrounded by devouring forces. This cry is not heroic but helpless; the yaḥid has no shield, no strength, no tribe. He stands as the fragile earthen vessel awaiting rescue from the ʾEḥad who alone grants and restores the breath of life.“They have taken their rabbis and monks as lords besides God and the Messiah, son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship One God [إِلَـٰهًۭا وَاحِدًۭا (ʾilāhan wāḥidan)]. There is no god but he. Glory be to him above what they associate with him.” (Qurʾan, Surat al-Tawba سورة التوبة “The Repentance” 9:31)The yaḥid stands before al-Wāḥid as a fragile vessel, emptied of pretense, whose worth lies not in possession or inheritance but in exposure. To be yaḥid is to stand alone—not because one has chosen solitude, but because every other support has failed. It is the state of Jairus in Luke 8:42, David in Psalm 22:21, and Jephthah in Judges 11:34—each reduced to dependence, each holding a single, irreplaceable life before the one who gives it.Yet the religious mind, ancient and modern alike, mistakes the vessel for the seed. It clings to fleeting human breath instead of to the one who gives breath. This is what Qurʾan 9:31 exposes in its indictment of clericalism: those who mistake the earthen vessel, which passes away, for the words of God, which do not.This is also the folly of the crowds in Luke 8. They gather not to hear the divine instruction but to choke it—to smother the seed because it threatens their economy of possession. They are the ʿedah, the swarm around death. They handle Jesus like a toy, fascinated with what can be held, pressed, traded, and measured; they prefer the earthen vessel to the living seed. They worship the perishable container rather than the imperishable Word, the finite dust rather than הָאֶחָד (ha-ʾEḥad), the one from whom all life flows.But the yaḥid—the one left with nothing—sees through the mirage. Standing before al-Wāḥid, Jairus discovers that what endures is not clay but command. The earthen vessel passes away; but the Word of God abides forever.συμπνίγω (sympnigo)To press in so tightly that one can barely breathe; to crowd around or press hard against; to suffocate.“The one sown among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke [συμπνίγει (sympnigei)] the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Matthew 13:22)

Jephthah is a Biblical character that is often trotted out as the epitome of the tragic hero. A man who gives his all, including those he loves, for the success that he so desperately craves. The tragedy of Jephthah is a profound lesson on unintended consequences, rash vows, and difficult choices, and how all three can bring a man who is on top of the world, down to the lowest place that a man can go while still alive.

#629 Jephthah Called by The Lord, Devotional Life with Paul and Jeanne

We Should Keep Our Promises To God And Man Scripture References:Ecclesiastes 5:1-7Key Points:1.  We have heard the saying a promise is a comfort to a fool, but the reality is whoever refuses to keep their promises to God is the real fool.Judges 11:29-402.  Jephthah kept his promise to God even though his daughter is the one he had to kill, so before you promise God, be certain it is something you are willing and able to fulfill.Malachi 2:10-163.  Physical adultery normally starts with emotional adultery, so cut it off!!! Focus on your spouse to better your family. Matthew 21:28-324.  It is time to repent of your sins and accept Jesus who is the keeper of promises, so you can also keep your promises to God and man.1 Timothy 6:11-16

Equipping Hour - Caleb

Most of us like happy stories, or at least stories with a happy ending. Jephthah's story is neither. Bracketed by lust and pride at the start and brutal judgment at the close, you could almost class it as a tragedy. Yet the misery of this story is bracketed by mercy as Jephthah rescues his people and serves as a signpost pointing us to the real hero of the story. Trusting in our Savior, we can adjust our expectation of his people and appreciate that faith does not need to be perfect to be real.

Judges 11 -Lawson Harlow

Pastor Greg Barkman continues his expositional series in the book of Hebrews.

This is our weekly live show where we take questions from email and our live audience.Questions and Timestamps:How political should a Christian be, especially in response to major events like assassinations? 10:21Should pastors address tragedies like the Charlie Kirk assassination from the pulpit? 31:56What guidance does the Bible give for governing? 36:15Did the early church misunderstand Christianity for hundreds of years? 46:35
Should I consider converting to Eastern Orthodoxy if I feel drawn but don't want to dishonor God? 46:35How do you decide when to move a congregation from “milk to meat” in teaching? 1:00:00
How should a church respond when asked if it is “gay friendly”? 1:03:07
What factors should guide choosing a church when options are limited? 1:05:07
Is my marriage invalid because we were both previously divorced before salvation? 1:15:09
How should Christians navigate friendships with unbelievers, especially hostile ones? 1:18:17
Does Isaiah 53 teach substitutionary atonement for the elect, or is it broader? 1:23:30
Am I saved if I have blasphemous and intrusive thoughts but still desire holiness? 1:25:55
How can I deal with anxiety and lack of assurance when I fall into repeated sin? 1:31:04
What is the Reformed view of assurance compared with Provisionist/Arminian views? 1:33:55
How can one learn to rest and abide with God more deeply? 1:41:30
Is the NLT a trustworthy Bible translation? 1:45:40
How should we teach textual criticism without undermining confidence in Scripture? 1:50:30
What does Reformed theology say about evangelism compared to IFB “soul winning”? 1:54:10
Is ‘final justification by works' a gospel issue or just a different interpretation? 1:57:40
Was Jesus truly a rabbi, and did He teach His disciples to read and write? 2:02:09
Why is Jephthah listed in Hebrews 11, and how do we reconcile Esau's story? 2:04:35
Why did God seek to kill Moses in Exodus 4? 2:08:06Support the Show: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/Yourcalvinisthttps://www.TinyBibles.comYou can get the smallest Bible available on the market, which can be used for all kinds of purposes, by visiting TinyBibles.com and when you buy, use the coupon code KEITH for a discount.Love Coffee? Want the Best? Get a free bag of Squirrelly Joe's Coffee by clicking on this link: https://www.Squirrellyjoes.com/yourcalvinistor use coupon code "Keith" for 20% off anything in the storeDominion Wealth Strategies Visit them at https://www.dominionwealthstrategists.comhttp://www.Reformed.Moneyand let them know we sent you! https://www.HighCallingFitness.comHealth, training, and nutrition coaching all delivered to you online by confessionally reformed bodybuilders and strength athletes.Visit us at https://www.KeithFoskey.comIf you need a great website, check out https://www.fellowshipstudios.com

The Israelites fully abandon the Lord, leading to 18 years of Ammonite oppression. On the east side of the Jordan, the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half of Manasseh are subjugated. The Ammonites are organized, militarily strong, and expanding their territory. Seeing the crisis, the elders of Gilead call Jephthah from the land of Tob, where he had been exiled. Jephthah, a skilled warrior but born of a marginalized family, is made leader to confront the Ammonite threat. He first attempts diplomacy, sending messengers to the Ammonite king, disputing their historical claim to the land, setting the stage for the battle and the vow that will define his leadership. Highlights: Israel abandons the Lord → oppression begins Ammonites crush Israel, east of the Jordan Jephthah's exile in Tob → rise as mercenary leader Elders of Gilead recruit Jephthah Diplomatic message sent to the Ammonite king Support & Engagement: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow The History of the Bible on your favorite podcast platform. Your ratings and reviews help others discover the show and support the creation of future episodes. If you'd like to support The History of the Bible, visit our Patreon Page. Your feedback is valuable to us! Share your thoughts and insights via our feedback form. Let us know how our podcast has impacted you or someone you know by filling out our impact form. If you have concerns about any information presented, please inform us via our correction form. Hashtags: #Judges #Ammonites #Jephthah #Gilead #BibleHistory #BiblicalStudies #Israelites #AncientHistory #MiddleEastHistory #BiblicalLeaders #Mercenaries #TribalConflict #EastJordan #BiblicalWarfare #FaithAndObedience #BiblicalNarrative #OldTestament #AncientIsrael #HistoricalContext #BiblePodcast Sources: ESV Study Bible ESV Archaeology Study Bible Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible (NIV) New Spirit-Filled Life Bible (NLT) BiblicalArchaeology.org ArmstrongInstitute.org Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Timelines Satellite Bible Atlas by Schlegel

On this episode, Paul White talks about Jephthah. Accompanying scripture: Hebrews 11:32. 

Taylor shares some exciting parenting news & we dive into some Fr. Anthony lore from his time in seminary. Taylor shares a baseball story that made him think of the end times & asks Fr. Anthony about a passage from Scripture that made him angry. Subscribe/Rate Never miss out on the craziness of each episode by hitting the subscribe button RIGHT NOW! Help other people find the show by taking a few moments to leave a review in your podcasting app. Thanks! YouTube Check out the show and other exclusive videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/fortecatholic Connect

What is faith? Faith is letting God be the judge. In the life of Jephthah, we see his faith in God by submitting to the Lord's judgment. The Spirit of the Lord came on him and allowed him to conquer the enemies of Israel. His secret? He yielded to the righteous judgment of the Lord!If you got saved watching the broadcast today, need prayer, would like to connect with us, or you would like to give into this ministry please visit here:https://www.gospeltabernaclechurch.com/connect

Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time IAugust 21, 2025 – Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope Hello and welcome to the Word, bringing you the Good News of Jesus Christ every day from the Redemptorists of the Baltimore Province. I am Fr. Karl Esker from the Basilica of our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY. Today is Thursday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time and the Memorial of Pope Saint Pius X.A reading from the holy gospel according to Matthew.           Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables saying, “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast,but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”' Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.           Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.' The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?' But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.' Many are invited, but few are chosen.”The gospel of the Lord.Homily Our readings today begin with the joy of living in God's grace, but end with a sad commentary on fruits of human pride and weakness. In the first reading we begin with the warrior judge Jephthah and his successful campaign to free the tribes of Israel from their enemies; and in the gospel we just heard, Jesus compares the Kingdom of heaven to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. Wedding feast are usually joyful occasions; they certainly are in my family. And we enjoy getting together on other occasions to share food and each other's company. Jesus was no different. He often accepted invitations to dine with saints and sinners alike. And at the Last Supper, he left us a memorial of his loving presence, when he said: “Do this in memory of me.” So, we join together weekly, or even more often to hear the word of God and partake of this ritual meal through Holy Communion, in anticipation of the banquet that awaits us in the Kingdom of heaven. Saint Pope Pius X is remembered for encouraging frequent communion and for lowering the age of First Communion to seven or eight years old. However, Jesus' parable is not about peace and joy. The king is hurt when those invited ignore his invitation and then enraged when he sends a second invitation and some mistreat and even kill his servants. The parable, as told by Matthew, includes a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem for its rejection and crucifixion of Jesus. Joy returns when the king sends his servants out into the streets to invite all they can find, good and bad alike, and the hall is filled with guests, which signifies the Church's mission to all the world. But even then there is a discordant note. One guest refuses to accept the wedding garment, and is cast into the darkness outside. Not all who call themselves Christian accept to live love of God and neighbor as Jesus taught. And not all appreciate the Eucharist for the great gift that it is. Some ignore it, and others, more interested in their farm or business, make no attempt to fashion their life according to the one they receive. And poor Jephthah from the first reading? The joy of his victory was cut short, because of a foolish vow he had made. He had promised: “whoever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites shall belong to the LORD. I shall offer him up as a burnt offering.” To his dismay, his only daughter was the one who came out to greet him. Sadly, so as not to lose face, Jephtah did as he had vowed; but the sacred author later noted that those who truly know the Lord, know that God dos not accept human sacrifice. We claim not to believe in human sacrifice today, but how many families are still being sacrificed on the altar of greed, war and cruel government policies. Today's scriptures offer us a promise and a warning: God is always ready to offer his people life and grace, but we often let our misconceptions and prejudices get in the way. The kingdom of heaven is not just about heaven, but the joy of living the way of the Lord here on earth.May God bless you.Fr. Karl E. Esker CSsRBasilica of our Lady of Perpetual HelpBrooklyn, NY

Jephthah needs help and makes an infamous promise.Text: Judges 10:6-11:40Players: YahwehElishaKing Joram/JehoramA grieving mother Four lepersWhat's Spooky: ProstitutionBattleHuman sacrifice (implied)Credits: Research, Writing, Narration, Sound Editing: Justin GerhardtManuscript Editing: JL GerhardtProduction: Hazefire StudiosLinks:—Join the team of listeners who give to make Holy Ghost Stories possible—Sign up for The Latest, an email Justin sends twice a month with behind-the-scenes info about each episode and interesting things from around the internet. —Become a Patron of Holy Ghost Stories (it's tax-deductible!) and get stuff like bonus episodes, remixed scenes, full scripts, discussion guides, and—above all—the joy of partnering with Justin to tell good stories.—Find out about Holy Ghost Stories or contact Justin Gerhardt at holyghoststories.org

In this message from Judges 11, Adrian Rogers tells the story of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor, who is an inspiration for all who want to be men and women of strength. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29

In this message from Judges 11, Adrian Rogers tells the story of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor, who is an inspiration for all who want to be men and women of strength. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/135/29