Podcasts about 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)

A Willing Sacrifice - JephthahJudges 10, 11, & 12Austin HoganSaint Andrew ChurchAuburn, IndianaCCLI# 1357907CCLI# 20112034

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)

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

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.

A new MP3 sermon from Rockport Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Jephthah: A Messy Story of Faith Subtitle: Family Camp 2025 - Heb 11 Speaker: Warren Kesselring Broadcaster: Rockport Baptist Church Event: Camp Meeting Date: 9/26/2025 Bible: Hebrews 11:32; Judges 11:1-12:7 Length: 35 min.

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.

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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

The outcome of Jephthah's tragic vow. More judges. A child is born miraculously to Manoah and his wife.

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

Abimelech defeated. The Israelites backslide again. Jephthah of Gilead chosen to come against the Ammonites after God relents and decides to have mercy on His people again.

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:23-29 23Am I a God near by, says the Lord, and not a God far off? 24Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? says the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the Lord. 25I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my name, saying, “I have dreamed, I have dreamed!” 26How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart?27They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal.28Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the Lord. 29Is not my word like fire, says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Psalm: Psalm 82 1 God takes his stand in the council of heaven; *         he gives judgment in the midst of the gods: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly, *         and show favor to the wicked? 3 Save the weak and the orphan; *         defend the humble and needy; 4 Rescue the weak and the poor; *         deliver them from the power of the wicked. 5 They do not know, neither do they understand;    they go about in darkness; *         all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 Now I say to you, ‘You are gods, *         and all of you children of the Most High; 7 Nevertheless, you shall die like mortals, *         and fall like any prince.'” 8 Arise, O God, and rule the earth, *         for you shall take all nations for your own. Epistle: Hebrews 11:29-12:2 29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days.31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. 32And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— 38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Gospel: Luke 12:49-56 49“I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three;53they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” 54He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain'; and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?

Pastor Kevin teaches from Judges 12 on the conflict between Jephthah and the men of Ephraim, showing how pride can take root and cause division. Through biblical examples from both the Old and New Testaments, we see how an inflated view of ourselves damages relationships with God and others. The call is to stop complaining, start working faithfully with what God has given, and humbly seek His help to remove any pride that hinders us from reflecting His character.

The book of Judges shows God's sovereignty to choose whom He will to accomplish His purposes.  Jephthah is the example of one rejected in man's eyes, but chosen by God as a savior for the people. He kept his vow to God, even to his own hurt, and God honored his faith. VF-2012 Nehemiah 9:27, Judges 11-12 Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2025 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

In this powerful and sobering episode, Jaime Luce takes us deep into the Word, examining the story of Jephthah in Judges 11 and the seriousness of making vows to God. From Old Testament covenant culture to personal testimony, Jaime emphasizes the weight of our words, the spiritual consequences of broken promises, and the blessing of obedience. This isn't milk... it's meat. It's a spiritual workout designed to grow your faith, sharpen your awareness, and deepen your reverence for the God who hears every word you speak. Key Scriptures: Judges 11:1–40 (The story of Jephthah and his vow)Ecclesiastes 5:4–8Deuteronomy 23:23Matthew 5:33–37Numbers 30:2Acts 5:1–10 (Ananias and Sapphira)Proverbs 18:21 Main Takeaways: Your words have power. Life and death are in the power of the tongue.God takes vows seriously. A careless promise can bring unintended consequences—even when made in desperation.Even believers in moral decline understood the seriousness of vows. The closing chapters of Judges reveal that even wayward Israelites wouldn't break an oath.Personal testimony affirms biblical truth. Jaime shares a powerful story of how her husband made a vow to God—and what happened when they delayed fulfilling it. Words shape your future. Whether spoken to God or over your own life, words matter. Jaime shares the inspirational story of marathoner Jesse Itzler and Navy SEAL Chad Wright to illustrate how declaration fuels endurance.

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

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Biblically speaking, faith and faithfulness stand to each other as root and fruit.”~J. Hampton Keathley (1939-2002), American pastor and writer “The world might stop in ten minutes; meanwhile, we are to go on doing our duty. The great thing is to be found at one's post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.”~C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) “The road to the Kingdom is not so pleasant, and comfortable, and easy, and flowery, as many dream. It is not a bright sunny avenue of palms. It is not paved with triumph, though it is to end in victory. The termination is glory, honor, and immortality; but on the way, there is the thorn in the flesh, the sackcloth, and the cross. Recompense later; but labor here! Rest later; but weariness here! Joy and security later; but here endurance and watchfulness – the race, the battle, the burden, the stumbling block, and oftentimes the heavy heart.”~Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), Scottish poet and hymnodist “He is not looking for heroics. He's looking for those who are willing to follow him down that road of sorrows no matter how tiny the form that cross may take.”~Elisabeth Elliot (1926-2015), Christian missionary, author, speaker “Thanks be to you, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given me, for all the pains and insults which you have borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.”~Richard de Wych (1197-1253), English bishop “Faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it has nothing else to lean on but this precious pearl Christ Jesus.”~Martin Luther (1483-1546)SERMON PASSAGEHebrews 11:1-2, 32-12:2 (ESV)Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. 2 For by this our ancestors were approved. 32 And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received their dead, raised to life again. Other people were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38 The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and on mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. 39 All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.  Hebrews 12  1 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Welcome to the opening message of our new "One Hit Wonders" series, where we dive deep into the untold stories of obscure biblical figures who appear briefly but carry life-changing lessons. In this challenging message, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the tragic yet inspiring story of Jephthah's daughter from Judges 11 - a nameless young woman whose father's rash vow changed everything. This isn't a comfortable story with clean edges, but it reveals powerful truths about obedience, worship, and the weight of our words. In This Episode You'll Discover: Why making emotional promises to God can be dangerous How unnecessary vows can lead to devastating consequences The difference between obedience from weakness vs. obedience from worship Why we must consider what obedience is worth, not just what it costs How every biblical story ultimately points to Jesus Christ Featured Scripture: Judges 11:29-40 Whether you're struggling with keeping promises, wrestling with obedience, or want to dive deeper into lesser-known biblical accounts, this message will challenge and encourage your faith journey. Listen & Subscribe: Don't miss future episodes in this series! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and join us as we uncover the profound lessons hidden in Scripture's brief encounters.

Do you trust God? This week, our Lead Pastor, Miles Fidell, unpacks the story of Jephthah, challenging us to do the inner work necessary to truly surrender our story to Jesus—instead of clinging to control and facing consequences that were never meant to be ours.

In J is for Jepthah's Daughter, we take on another text of terror that shows the worst parts of humanity. Pastor Jacob guides us through the terrible decisions by Jephthah to make and keep a vow that takes his own daughter's life and reminds us that our faith does not ask us to worship our religion or its rules, but instead our faith asks us to commit ourselves to living out the unconditional love of God.

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

What are the scariest stories from the Bible? Today we specifically explore the haunting stories in the book of judges, including Ehud and the assassination of Eglon, the butchery of Sisera, Abimelech's bloodthirsty rise and brutal death, Jephthah's sacrifice of his daughter, and other terrifying stories…WELCOME TO Religion CAMP

How do you respond when someone says your "Christian Nationalism" goes against everything Jesus taught in the Bible? And why are so many Christians preoccupied with LGBTQ+ issues--don't they have their own sinful behaviors to worry about? In this midweek episode, Frank responds to a listener email from Australia related to these and other hot-button issues by answering questions like:How does "Christian Nationalism" compare to secular internationalism?Why should the government care about marriage?Did Jesus believe in equity?Do you call out your own sin or just the sins of others?What are the 3 BIG temptations John 1 warns us about?According to Paul, what kind of person isn't welcome at church?Is God just a cosmic killjoy?What's the difference between torture and torment and which one is found in Hell?What's the deal with the story of Jephthah and his daughter in the Book of Judges?If you have a question you'd like Frank to answer on a future episode, be sure to send it to hello@crossexamined.org and don't forget to download the CrossExamined app where you can access every single episode of 'I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist' organized by date, subject content, or guest(s)!Resources mentioned during the episode:Jesus vs. the Culture self-paced online course - https://bit.ly/3Zp02G8Podcast: When Is Love Evil? - https://bit.ly/4mnA5RqThe BIBLE and SLAVERY Explained! - https://youtu.be/qWvwkHKWAfEThe Big Book of Bible Difficulties - https://bit.ly/4dp32s5Is God a Moral Monster? by Paul Copan - https://bit.ly/4jdGgV8Is God a Vindictive Bully? by Paul Copan - https://bit.ly/3HjdvsM

Today's readings are Judges 9-11, Ruth 4, and Psalm 137. In the reading from Judges, we hear about the rise and fall of Abimelech, as well as the misguided and heartbreaking vow Jephthah makes to God in return for victory over the Ammonites. We also conclude the book of Ruth with the marriage of Boaz and Ruth. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.