Judges 11:34Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Scriptures do not seem to issue a verdict on the promise itself or its realization, similar to the situation with Abraham, who was instructed by the Lord to offer his son, and he obeyed the divine command. Instead, the biblical texts recount historical events and leave their interpretation up to the discernment of the reader, much like the story of Judah, the son of Jacob, who, in ignorance, engaged in relations with his daughter-in-law Tamar, mistakenly thinking she was a prostitute. The Holy Scriptures refrain from overtly condemning or endorsing actions; rather, they depict events plainly so that they can be assessed in light of righteousness and God’s commandments.

After securing victory and vanquishing his adversary, he makes his way home, where he encounters his daughter at the entrance, filled with affection and unaware of the promise made.