THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
The story of Jephthah’s daughter embodies a glory that surpasses the celebrated accounts found among philosophers, such as that of the two Pythagorean philosophers. One of these philosophers faced execution at the hands of the tyrant Dionysius. As the date of his death approached, he requested to be allowed to return home to set affairs in order for his loved ones. To ensure his return for execution, he appointed his friend as a guarantor, stipulating that if he failed to return, his friend would face execution in his stead. The friend accepted this agreement and awaited the appointed day with calmness, steadfastly fulfilling his obligation while the other aimed to return on time.
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This act was so remarkable that the tyrant, who had previously threatened them with death, began to seek their acceptance into his fellowship. What was remarkable in these esteemed individuals was magnified even more in the maiden who spoke to her father as he lamented for her, saying, “Do unto me according to the manner that has come out of your mouth.” She asked for only a two-month delay to honor her virginity with her friends in the mountains. Despite the sorrow of her companions, she remained steadfast and resolute, not allowing grief or wailing to keep her from appearing at the designated time and hour. When she returned to her father, it was as if she was going to a wedding, and when he hesitated, she encouraged him onward, all done willingly. Thus, what might have been seen as a situation of impiety transformed into a noble sacrifice of devotion.
To understand the significance of parental vows, reflect on Jephthah’s daughter from Gilead. She willingly sacrificed her own life to ensure her father's vow was honored. Disturbed by the dire circumstances of battle, Jephthah vowed that should he achieve victory, he would offer to God whatever first greeted him upon his return. When victory came, it was his daughter who came out to greet him, filled with joy over the triumph and out of love for her father. Upon realizing the weight of his vow, Jephthah was overcome with grief. His daughter inquired about his sorrow, and he revealed his promise to the Lord. In response, she encouraged him to fulfill his vow. Hence, she redeemed her father's rash promise through her own life.
The story of Jephthah's daughter carries a weight and antiquity that surpasses the accounts presented by various philosophers, such as the narrative of the two Pythagorean figures, Damon and Fintia, as noted by Cicero. St. Ambrose echoes this tale, where one of the individuals faced execution at the hands of the tyrant Dionysius, with the date of his fate already determined. He petitioned to be allowed to visit his home to attend to his loved ones, offering a hostage to ensure his return. The condition was that if he failed to return by the stipulated time, the hostage would be put to death in his stead. The hostage accepted these terms and steadfastly awaited the day of execution. Remarkably, both parties remained true to their word; the man returned, and the hostage did not waver.
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This event astonished the tyrant to the point where he referred to those he was about to execute as friends. The extraordinary resolve of learned men is outshone by the noble act of the maiden, who spoke to her grieving father, "Do unto me that which thy mouth hath spoken" (Judges 11:36).