Jephtah

Jephthah was a judge in Israel.  His life spanned from Judges 11 to the middle of Judges 12.  Read his story if you don't remember it.  Tis gut.   Some n00b has previously defended Jephthah because he appeared to know the Law well when he used it while speaking to the Ammonites.  But we don't know that he uses the law, only that he uses history which was doubtless known by heathens as well as rabbis.   Anyway, he spent most of his life with \"worthless men\".  Already we see a character flaw.  Then he said he'd lead Israel in war against the people of Ammon if he would be made the ruler of Gilead, trading his help for power.  Another apparent flaw.  Then he promises God the first thing that comes out of the door of his house (as a burnt offering) if he wins the war.  Apparently he was under the impression that God cared more about the content of Jephthah's house than about Israel.  Then, after winning the war, he burned his daughter as an offering to God.  Without making use of the \"I sinned and made a promise hastily\"- law in Lev 5:4 to legally get out of his promise.  Obviously a sin.  Then Ephraim complained against him as they did against Gideon.  But unlike Gideon, Jephthah answered them harshly.  And while Gideon had peace with them, Jephthah started a war.  One is reminded of Prov 15:1 and all the other verses about harsh answers and causing strife.  Then Jephthah judged Israel for only 6 years.  The righteous judges and kings tended to live longer.   J'accuse, Jephthah!   What can we learn from his mistakes?   1) Don't spend much time with worthless men. 2) Help people unconditionally.  As Christ helped you.  Earthly rewards are irrelevant. 3) Think before speaking.  And don't fall into the common snare of promising God something later if He helps you now. 4) Be humble.  If you've made a mistake, admit it.  Instead of going through with what you've spoken rashly and burning your children. 5) Be gentle.  Don't answer idiots harsly unless you honestly think they will accept your correction. 6) If you ever usurp power over a nation, try to live long enough to bask in your riches and power for at least a few decades.     Why then was Jephthah allowed to judge Israel?  The answer lies in the following game:   Match the judge with his description:   A) Samson B) Gideon C) Moses D) Joshua E) Ehud F) Abimelech G) Othniel     1) Power-hungry narcissist, killed by a woman 2) So evil God tried to kill him 40 years before He did kill him 3) Left-handed, slayer of fat people 4) Built idols which were worshipped for centuries to come 5) Sexually immoral, murderous, unclean 6) Incestuous 7) Failed to seek God, causing Israel to sin against God's and Moses' commandment   J'accuse les gens!