Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Rash Judge

Dear class,

Today's reading is taken from Jdg 9-12.

Among the few judges mentioned, Jepthah is one that often stands out, mostly because of the rash oath he made before the Lord (Jdg 11:30,31) [One wonders if the legend of the Lambton worm was inspired by this!]
Much controversy has surrounded this account. According to the oath, Jepthah was supposed to offer her daughter as a burnt offering. Yet we know that human sacrifice is condemned of God (c.f. Lev 18:21; Deu 12:31). Furthermore, if she was really offered as a burnt offering, why would there be a need for her to "bewail her virginity" (v.38) and that Jepthah "did with her according to his vow which he had vowed: and she knew no man". Thus it seems more likely that Jepthah fulfilled the "shall surely be the Lord's" clause and her daughter was not given in marriage.

In any case, we see a person who was ruled by his own impulses, not only in this matter, but in his dealings with his acquaintances. It was the unfortunate fact that Jepthah was most likely mistreated in his early years, being deemed illegitimate and possibly, some of that led to his impulsive and extreme behaviour. We note the also the high handed manner he dealt with the Eprahmites resulting in huge loss of lives (Jdg 12:6).

Often times, we can't change the circumstance that we are in. Yet we can choose to do right, in spite of our circumstance. It is easy to point to our upbringing, to others, to the situation to find excuses for misdeeds, but the fact of the matter is, having "tasted that the Lord is gracious" (1Pe 2:3), we should use every fibre of our being to live up to privilege of being a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1Pe 2:9).
And before we jump the gun to a rash reaction, well did James advise - "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:" (Jam 1:19)

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul

--
But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. ~ Acts 20:7


1 comment:

  1. As a side note - we should adopt the policy of "let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay" (Jam 5:12). Even today, we may find ourselves saying things like "O God, if you do such and such or if you answer my prayer, I will do such and such...etc". What? Are we holding God to ransom? Are we bargaining with God? Do what we are supposed to do! That is independent of what God has in store for us. Because we know that "...that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom 8:28)

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