THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
The account of Jephthah’s daughter holds a significance that is both more venerable and more splendid than the deeds often celebrated by philosophers, such as the story of two Pythagorean men. One of these Pythagoreans faced execution at the hands of the tyrant Dionysius, and as the day of his impending death drew near, he requested to return home to settle matters regarding his loved ones. To ensure his return for the execution, he left one of his friends as a guarantor, proposing that if he failed to come back by the designated date, his friend would face execution in his stead. Remarkably, the friend accepted these terms and awaited his fate without fear, while the Pythagorean made every effort to return on time.
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This act of loyalty so astonished the tyrant, who had previously threatened them both, that he sought to welcome them into his companionship. What was indeed remarkable in wise and noble individuals was surpassed in radiance by the young maiden who, addressing her grieving father, said, “Do unto me according to the manner that has come out of thy mouth.” She requested merely a two-month delay, so that she could mourn her virginity alongside her friends in the mountains with dignity. Neither the sorrow of her companions nor her own grief swayed her, nor did she allow lamentation to hinder her from appearing at the appointed time. Approaching her father as if she were attending a wedding, she urged him on when he hesitated, doing so entirely of her own volition. Thus, what could have been perceived as an act of impiety transformed into a profound offering of piety.
In understanding the weight of parental promises, consider the example of Jephthah's daughter from Gilead. She was willing to offer her very life to ensure that her father’s vow would not go unfulfilled. In a moment of despair due to adverse battles, Jephthah had vowed that should he achieve victory, he would dedicate to God whatever first greeted him upon his return. When triumph was granted, it was his daughter who joyfully emerged to greet him, her heart filled with delight for her father and in celebration of victory. Overcome with sorrow upon recalling his vow, Jephthah grieved profoundly. His daughter inquired about the source of his distress, and he revealed the promise he had made to the Lord. In response, she encouraged him to honor his commitment to God, thereby offering her own life in atonement for her father’s rash vow.
She requested a two-month postponement to retreat into the mountains with her companions and mourn her lost purity, which was fated to perish (see Judg. 11:37-38). However, the weeping of her friends and their sorrow did not sway the young woman, who did not overlook the set date or hour. She returned to her father in obedience to her vow, and as he hesitated, she willingly encouraged him to transform what had been hastily and awkwardly expressed into a sacred offering.