Less-known Women of the Bible

Jephthah’s Daughter

A daughter of a leader and commander of Israel from the tribe of Manasseh and who was a judge for six years. As he went into battle with the Ammonites, Jephthah promised that whatever met him upon his successful return would be consecrated to God and offered as a burnt offering (Judg. 11:29-31). Since his daughter ran out to meet him, he “sacrificed” her. There is conflict among scholars whether he sacrificed her virginity (“she knew no man”) or actually sacrificed her as a burnt offering (Judg. 11:38-40). However, either way she is an example of how women are caught up in the egos of male conflict through no fault of their own. Some might suggest that a woman should not so easily submit to an obligation or vow made by someone else. Others point out how easily women are infused with cultural norms that inform behavior, leaving them with no real options. This story of Jephthah’s daughter—a woman with no name, no descendants, no real control of her own life, and nobody to protect her—is a warning to any group or society that demeans others. The end result is terrifying.