Amaleq13

It doesn't actually say that the Lord accepted his vow and upon that their faith rests.

Patrick F

He heard the vow, knew exactly what was involved, and then went right ahead and delivered the enemy to Jephthah in full knowledge of the consequences. How clear would you like it to be? Does it really need to say "...and there appeared a contract at Jephthah's feet signed by the Lord and Jephthah took a pen and signed on the dotted line, and they shook hands on it and said "deal"?

I think it's clear enough to put any apologist firmly on the defensive. Don't get me wrong. I know what you're saying, but it's a gem of a story.

Sheshbazzar

sigh, Jephthah's daughter, again. And the same old one string fiddle.

Amaleq13

Apparently so.

Doesn't help them avoid the rather obvious appearance of acceptance or the related responsibility for that appearance, though.