THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
The story of Jephthah's daughter shines with a brilliance and antiquity that surpasses what is often celebrated among philosophers, such as the tale of the two Pythagorean men. One of these philosophers faced execution at the hands of the tyrant Dionysius. As the date of his death drew near, he requested permission to visit home to provide care for his loved ones. To reassure the tyrant that he would indeed return for his execution, this Pythagorean appointed a friend as his guarantor, with the stipulation that should he fail to return, his friend would face death in his place. The friend accepted this grave responsibility and awaited the appointed day with calm resolve, while the other man endeavored to keep his promise.
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This unusual display of loyalty astonished the tyrant, who, having previously threatened them with execution, sought their companionship and alliance. Yet, what was remarkable in these esteemed men was greatly outshone by the maiden who, upon seeing her father's sorrow, said, “Do unto me according to the manner in which it came out of thy mouth.” She requested only a two-month reprieve so that she and her companions could mourn her virginity in a reverent manner in the mountains. Unmoved by her friends’ lamentations or her own grief, she displayed resolve and returned to her father at the appointed hour as if approaching a wedding. When he hesitated, she encouraged him to act, doing so with a willing heart. What could have been an act of impiety transformed into a sacred offering stemming from piety.
Consider the significance of parental vows, illustrated vividly by Jephthah's daughter from Gilead; she willingly sacrificed her life to honor her father's vow. Troubled by the adverse circumstances of war, Jephthah had made a vow to God that he would offer as a sacrifice whatever first greeted him upon his return home if he were victorious in battle. When triumph was achieved, his daughter emerged to greet him, filled with joy from the victory and a deep love for her father. Overcome by sorrow, the father recalled his vow, and when his daughter inquired about his distress, he revealed his promise to the Lord. Consequently, she encouraged him to fulfil his commitment, thus atoning for her father's rash vow with her own life.
She requested a postponement of two months to ascend the mountains with her companions and devoutly mourn her virginity, which was destined for demise (Judg. 11:37-38). Yet, the weeping of her friends, along with their sorrow and anguish, did not sway the young woman, and she did not fail to honor the designated day and hour. She returned to her father to fulfill her vow, and since he hesitated, she voluntarily persuaded him to ensure that what had been carelessly and awkwardly spoken transformed into a sacred offering.