What does Judges 11:38 mean?
"And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains." - Judges 11:38
The verse Judges 11:38 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains."
In order to understand the meaning of this verse, it is important to provide some context. In the book of Judges, chapter 11 tells the story of Jephthah, a judge of Israel who made a vow to God that if he was granted victory in battle, he would sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house when he returned home. Unfortunately, the first thing to come out of his house upon his return was his only child, his daughter. In this verse, Jephthah is sending his daughter away for two months so that she can mourn the fact that she will never marry or have children.
The verse itself is a pivotal moment in the story of Jephthah and his daughter. Jephthah's daughter is given two months to process the fact that she will never experience the joys and trials of marriage and motherhood. The verse paints a picture of a young woman lamenting her fate on the mountains, surrounded by her companions who share in her sorrow.
One of the central themes of this verse is the concept of sacrifice and the consequences that can come from making hasty or ill-considered vows. Jephthah's vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house was made in the heat of the moment and without careful consideration of the potential consequences. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of weighing our words and actions before making commitments that could have serious repercussions.
Another theme that can be gleaned from this verse is the sorrow and loss experienced by Jephthah's daughter. The fact that she is given two months to mourn her fate suggests a deep sense of grief and despair. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that decisions made by others can have on our lives, and the need for compassion and empathy in the face of loss and suffering.
The symbolism in this verse is also worth considering. The act of bewailing her virginity upon the mountains is a powerful image that conveys the depth of Jephthah's daughter's despair. The mountains are often used symbolically to represent a place of isolation, reflection, and hardship. In this context, the mountains serve as a backdrop for Jephthah's daughter's mourning, emphasizing the magnitude of her sorrow and the weight of her situation.
Overall, Judges 11:38 is a verse that explores the themes of sacrifice, consequences, and sorrow. It serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that hasty decisions can have on our lives, and the need for compassion and empathy in the face of loss and suffering. The symbolism of the mountains adds depth to the verse, highlighting the isolation and despair experienced by Jephthah's daughter as she comes to terms with her fate. This verse is a powerful and emotional moment in the story of Jephthah, and it continues to resonate with readers as a reminder of the complexities of human experience and the need for thoughtful consideration of our actions.
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Judges 11:38 - "And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains."
"And he said, Go. And he sent her away for two months: and she went with her companions, and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains." - Judges 11:38
Ezekiel 16:38 - "And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy."
Judges 6:38 - "And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water."
Judges 20:38 - "Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city."
1 Chronicles 11:38 - "Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar the son of Haggeri,"
Judges 12:11 - "¶ And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged Israel; and he judged Israel ten years."
Philippians 3:8
Hebrews 11:38 - "(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth."
John 3:3-8
1 Corinthians 11:31 - "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged."
Job 31:11 - "For this is an heinous crime; yea, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges."
Luke 11:38 - "And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner."
John 11:38 - "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it."
Job 38:11 - "And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?"
Psalms 148:11 - "Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:"
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
Judges 2:11 - "¶ And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:"
"And I will judge thee, as women that break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will give thee blood in fury and jealousy." - Ezekiel 16:38
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Leviticus 11:38 - "But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcase fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you."
Psalms 38:11 - "My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off."
Judges 9:38 - "Then said Zebul unto him, Where is now thy mouth, wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him? is not this the people that thou hast despised? go out, I pray now, and fight with them."
Judges 11:11 - "Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them: and Jephthah uttered all his words before the LORD in Mizpeh."
Judges 11:4 - "¶ And it came to pass in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel."
Judges 11:27 - "Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, but thou doest me wrong to war against me: the LORD the Judge be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon."
Judges 17:11 - "And the Levite was content to dwell with the man; and the young man was unto him as one of his sons."
Judges 11:40 - "That the daughters of Israel went yearly to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year."
Judges 11:6 - "And they said unto Jephthah, Come, and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."