In today’s reading, Israel again turns to worshiping the false gods of the nations around them, and the LORD allows the Philistines and the Ammonites to oppress and rule over them. When Israel cries for deliverance, the LORD rebukes them for their faithlessnes. As they persist in their plea for deliverance, they put away their idols, and the LORD is moved with compassion to help them. Israel appeals to Jephthah, the son of a harlot once despised for his mother’s sake, to fight for them and deliver them, and even to rule over them should he prevail against their enemies. When he consents, the LORD grants him victory over the Ammonites. But Jephthah had vowed a rash vow unto the LORD, with tragic results…

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission