Jephthah's daughter

In Judges 11 we hear about a guy called Jephthah. He rises up to lead Israel against the people now oppressing them, the Ammonites. He makes a vow, he promises that if he is victorious against the Ammonites, then he will sacrifice the first thing that comes out of his house.

His daughter is the first thing to come out of his house.

What a terrible dilemma Jephthah is in. He has made a promise to God, which he doesn't want to back out of. His daughter is his beloved, only child. His daughters response? “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.” (V36).

What incredible obedience!

This daughter must be devoted to her Dad, she completely upholds his word, no matter the cost to herself, she accepts what her Dad says, and recognises that promises to God mean more than anything else. She is obedient even unto death. I don't even know if she's aware exactly of what her father has promised, but she's willing and obedient anyway.

This is the kind of obedience that God wants from us. Complete, total, sacrificial obedience.