Its a sin to fulfill a sinful vow. End of Story. To fulfill a sinful vow is a compound sin.

WCF 22.7 No man may vow to do any thing forbidden in the Word of God, or what would hinder any duty therein commanded, or which is not in his power, and for the performance whereof he hath no promise of ability from God.

WLC Question 113: What are the sins forbidden in the third commandment?
Answer: The sins forbidden in the third commandment are, ... all sinful cursings, oaths, vows, and lots; violating of our oaths and vows, if lawful; and fulfilling them, if of things unlawful;...


Now all this is perfectly beside the point, if indeed Jephthah did not slay his daughter. It is a point of interpretation going back to Jewish midrash, probably predating the New Testament, that Jephthah presented his only child and heir to the Tabernacle service as a virgin. Hence, she goes off for a season with her maiden friends (who will soon marry, most of them) to "bewail her virginity."

This is my preferred interpretation. Hebrews 11:32 puts Jephthah in the "Hall of Faith." I know the "Hall" is full of sinners. But don't you think that "human sacrifice" would have excluded such a man from the list of heroes? I do.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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