Story · 23 · The Hero
Jephthah's daughter
Jephthah vowed to sacrifice whoever first came out to greet his victory. His only daughter came out dancing. He blamed her: 'You have brought me low!'
Thirst for glory can destroy what we love.
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She asked for two months to mourn with her friends. Israel's daughters created a yearly commemoration honoring her courage, while the story pillories her father's ambition. No one came to her rescue.
Bible reference: Judges 11:30–40
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 371–372
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