Definition: And Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 11:30. It’s a really important moment in the story of how Israel was saved from a huge threat. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Ammon is attacking Israel: The verse describes Ammon, a nation in the east, as sending an army to attack Israel. They were determined to take their land and its people. Jephthah’s Vow: Jephthah, the leader of Israel, makes a solemn promise to the Lord. He says he will completely deliver the Ammonites into his hands if the Lord allows it. What Does "Without Fail" Mean? This is the crucial part. “Without fail” means that Jephthah absolutely must do this. It’s not just a possibility, it's a guarantee – he will not hesitate or leave anything undone. The Significance: Protecting Israel: This vow is a huge display of faith and commitment to protecting the Israelites. A Test of Faith: It shows Jephthah’s unwavering dedication to defending his people, even in the face of a terrifying threat. Divine Intervention: It suggests that God is directly involved in the situation, choosing to protect Israel through this action. In short, Jephthah is promising to completely hand over the Ammonites to the Lord if he allows it – a powerful declaration of faith and protection. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a larger story or theme in the Bible? Give you some context about the situation in ancient Israel at that time?