The Alisa Childers Podcast The Sabbatical Series; Does the Bible Condone Human Sacrifice? (What's Up With Jephthah?)
Dec 19, 2023
The hosts discuss the story of Jephthah in the Bible, exploring different interpretations and addressing the moral implications. They analyze what the story actually says and the difficulties in reconciling his actions with religious beliefs.
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Bible Records vs. Approval
- The Bible records events without implicitly approving all actions, including violence and morally troubling stories.
- Understanding this helps resolve tensions with difficult Old Testament narratives like Jephthah's vow.
Jephthah's Vow Could Mean Living Dedication
- Jephthah’s vow is possibly about dedicating his daughter to lifelong virgin service, not killing her.
- The Hebrew word for burnt offering can mean 'to ascend,' suggesting a living sacrifice.
Human Sacrifice Not Approved
- The common interpretation is Jephthah sacrificed his daughter physically, reflecting pagan influences.
- This act would defy Mosaic law strictly forbidding human sacrifice and is morally reprehensible to God.