Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Judges 11:29-40. The downward spiral of the book of Judges quickens even in the midst of the LORD’s deliverance. The Spirit of the LORD comes upon Jephthah in order to deliver victory over the Ammonites to His people. However, Jephthah’s vow casts a deadly pall over what should have been a lively celebration. Even apart from its content, Jephthah’s vow was unnecessary because he already had the LORD’s promise of victory. The content only makes his vow even more foolish and ungodly. He never excludes the possibility of sacrificing a member of his own household, as a faithful Israelite would have done. Foolishness turns to tragedy when Jephthah’s only daughter greets him upon his return. The decay of Israel’s religious life is evident as neither Jephthah nor his daughter ever consult the LORD, His Word, or His servants, the Levites, in order to seek a way to avoid this ungodly human sacrifice. Instead, they