PHILIPPINESTOLEDO CEBU
PHILIPPINESTOLEDO CEBU
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
MIDWEEK SERVICE
WEDNESDAY DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY
Text: Judges 11:1-40
What do we learn about God?
What do we learn about man?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there an example to follow?
"I will"
What do we learn about God?
God uses the rejected/unlikely: God raised up Jephthah, an outcast and son of a prostitute, to be a leader, demonstrating that He sees beyond societal labels and uses the weak to shame the strong (Judges 11:1; 1 Cor 1:27 (refs2)).
God is Sovereign in Victory: God gave Israel victory over the Ammonites; it was not by human might, but by God’s intervention (Judges 11:32).
God is the Judge and Deliverer: He is the true Judge between nations (v. 27) and the ultimate provider of deliverance.
God is Faithful: Despite the infidelity of His people, God remains faithful, taking them back when they repent (Judges 10:15-16, 11:32 (refs2)).
God does not condone human sacrifice: Though not explicitly forbidding it in this specific text, God strictly forbids human sacrifice elsewhere (Leviticus 18:21), suggesting He did not require or endorse the tragic outcome of the vow.
What do we learn about man?
Man is prone to foolishness and rashness: Jephthah made a foolish, unnecessary vow (v. 30-31) that brought tragic, preventable agony to his family.
Man can suffer from his past: Jephthah was a "mighty warrior" who was still treated as a "worthless man" and an outcast due to his parentage.
Man can have genuine faith mixed with ignorance: Jephthah trusted God to win the battle (Spirit-filled) but lacked knowledge of God’s Word (using pagan-like bargaining/vows).
Man must take responsibility for his words: Jephthah, despite his foolishness, felt he had to honor his vow, a lesson in integrity.
Man (and women) can show immense courage and obedience: The daughter’s response in v. 36 shows deep respect and obedience to the Lord and her father, regardless of the cost.
Is there a command to obey?
Be careful of vows/words: The passage warns that vows to God must be made with extreme caution, not impulsively (Eccl 5:4-5).
Do not follow pagan practices: Do not attempt to bargain with God or try to buy his help, as He is a God of grace.
Obey God’s Law: The tragic outcome stems from ignoring the law that prohibits human sacrifice and the law regarding the redemption of vows (Leviticus 27:2-4).
Turn to God in repentance: The Israelites needed to put away foreign gods before receiving deliverance (Judges 10:16).
Is there an example to follow?
Jephthah’s faith and trust in God: He directly petitioned the Lord to fight for him and depended on God for victory.
Jephthah’s diplomacy: He tried to negotiate peace before resorting to war.
The Daughter’s obedience: She honored her father’s vow and respected her word to God, even in sorrow.
God’s Grace: God chooses the marginalized and works through broken, imperfect people.
"I will"...
Based on v. 31: I will be careful in my promises to God, realizing I do not need to manipulate Him with vows to gain His favor.
Based on v. 36: I will honor my commitments to God, even when it costs me something, but with wisdom and guidance from His Word.
Based on v. 9: I will allow God to fight my battles and accept His timing in my vindication.
Based on v. 24: I will possess what God has given me and trust His provision.
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