Shut Your Trap

Judges 11

When has one of your friends or colleagues really put their foot in their mouth?

Describe in detail Jephthah’s family of origin.

What problems from his family may have shaped his later activity?

What are some other stories in our culture that you are reminded of when you hear of his “group of adventurers” who are with him?

How has you family past shaped you into the person you are today?

With the arrival of the war, describe the negotiations that go on between

Jephthah and the elders of Gilead.

Why do they so desperately want his help? Why is he so coy in offering his assistance?

What does it show us about Jephthah that he is willing to treat with the king of the Ammonites?

What is the grievance that the Ammonites have against the Israelites?

What does it show us about Jephthah that he is able to repeat in detail the history of the Israelites in answering the challenge of the Ammonites?

Why does Jephthah take the extra time explain all of this to the enemy?

How could you approve in your ability to present apologetic arguments for your beliefs?

Why does Jephthah make that silly promise to God when God’s Spirit is already upon him?

Why does God give the Israelites victory in this battle?

Imagine you are Jephthah as he sees his daughter come out of the gates. What emotions are surging in your heart as you realize your error?

Why does Jephthah follow through on this awful vow that turned out in a way he clearly did not intend? Why does his daughter go along with this ridiculous promise?

Why does she request a long vacation before the sacrifice is carried out?

How does this horrible incident affect later Israelite culture?

God does not desire child sacrifice, why does he allow Jephthah to do this horrible act?

When are some times when what you have said has gotten you into trouble?
How seriously should we take our word? Why is our word not taken more seriously today?

How can you become more careful in the things that you promise?

What are some (moral) promises that you need to follow through on this week?

What are some (immoral) promises that you need to let go, and accept God’s grace?