1. Victory by God's Spirit (29-33)

The Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah to subdue Ammon. But before the battle he made a rash vow: if the Lord gave him victory, he would sacrifice as a burnt offering whatever greeted him. Perhaps he was expecting a sheep or goat. It was a vow he shouldn't have made nor needed to make. The Lord gave 20 towns of Ammon into his hands.

2. "Oh no, my daughter!" (34-40)

When Jephthah returned home, to his dismay he was greeted by his only child, a daughter, dancing to timbrels. His foolish oath required a terrible obedience, which they both felt he had to keep. His daughter wept for 2 months, for she would never marry and have a family. Some interpret this that she had to serve the Lord as a virgin. But the plain meaning is that she became a burnt offering, something forbidden by God (Dt 12:31). God doesn't require strange oaths. He desires obedience that comes from faith.