Judges 11:1-12:15 + John 1:1-28 + Psalm 101:1-8 + Proverbs 14:13-14
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Old Testament – Today we read about Jephthah and his daughter – and the related vow. It is interesting to note that some Biblical scholars do not think that Jepthah actually killed his daughter, but that she simply died a virgin, as verse 38 says. However… verse 38 also says he kept his vow. Keep in mind that oftentimes the Bible reports "just the facts," which does not necessarily mean the "facts" or actions of what us humans did was pleasing in God's sight. Human sacrifice was not part of God's laws or plans. It is clearly forbidden in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 1-5 and in Leviticus chapter 18:21 – " 'Do not give any of your children to be sacrificed to Molech, for you must not profane the name of your God. I am the LORD."
New Testament – I am so excited that we are starting the Gospel of John today!! I won’t necessarily say that it is my favorite Gospel – because all 4 are amazing. But, I will say that John is different from the other 3. If by chance you felt like reading Luke these past few weeks has gotten repetitive when compared to Matthew and Mark, hang in there! John is different. Beautifully different. John Chapter 15 is definitely one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I cannot wait to read it again! I actually have a powerful personal story to share with you all about John Chapter 15. I’ll do so either in a future email or on the blog when we get to this chapter.
I have a feeling there are probably a few folks who have dropped off the One Year Bible readings over this past few months. I’d like to invite you to jump back in and join us now as we’re beginning John and will soon be starting Ruth. These are 2 great books for you to start back up with us again!
One thing I’ll recommend to everyone, if you have a chance this next week, is to watch the movie “The Gospel of John”. Have you seen it? It is incredibly well done. It was released in theaters on a limited basis a few years ago, and I was fortunate enough to have caught it in the theater. It is a 3 hour movie that goes word-for-word through the Gospel of John, based on the Good News Bible translation. Or, perhaps you’ll want to read the Biblical text first and then watch the movie later. Either way. I definitely recommend this film. You can watch it on Amazon for free if you have Prime.
The Gospel of John
Author: John
Place: Ephesus
Date: A.D. 85-96
Content: The Gospel of John was written many years after Jesus’ death and resurrection by the apostle John so that those who read it might believe in Christ and thus have life through his name. John begins with a prologue unique to this Gospel where Jesus’ preexistent life with the Father is depicted to show that Jesus was not simply a great man, but God. Miracles of Jesus as well as many of Jesus’ teachings not found elsewhere are then described. A long section in John chapters 14 through 17 describes Jesus’ teaching to his apostles before his death. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, special place is given to Jesus’ appearance to his apostles.
Theme: The Gospel of John more than any other Gospel stresses the deity of Christ and provides us with an interpretation of his life. He is explained in figurative terms as light, truth, love, good shepherd, the door, the resurrection and the life, living water, true bread, and more. The beautiful material found in John chapters 14 through 17 shows the deep love of Jesus for the believer and the peace that comes from faith in Christ. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 22-23) Great commentary on John by Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org is at this link: https://bible.org/seriespage/1-john-man-and-his-gospel
Bible Project: Here is a terrific video overview of the Gospel of John:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2e9mMf7E8
Today in John Chapter 1 verse 14 we read – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Do you believe that Jesus is the Word John is referring to? What does this mean to you that the Word became flesh? Do you believe that Jesus was born into this world both fully divine and fully human (yet sinless)? Why would God send Jesus, full of light, grace and truth into the world? Why was this necessary?
Today in John Chapter 1 verses 10 & 11 we read – “He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” Do you believe that the world was made through Jesus? Do you believe the world is Jesus’ own? Have you ever gone through periods in your life where you have not recognized Jesus for who he truly is? ( I know that I have) Have you gone through periods of your life where Jesus has come to you and you did not receive him? ( Again, I know that I have) As you read through the Gospel of John this year will you prayerfully read it? Will you ask God to reveal to you through John’s Gospel who Jesus really is? And will you ask God to make Jesus more known to you this year than ever before? Do you believe this is possible – for you to know Jesus more this year than in your prior years? Do you believe the Gospel of John and prayer can help you to truly know Jesus more?
Bible.org's commentary on our readings in John today titled "What Child is This?" is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 101 is a great Psalm of David today! Great verses, all of them. I like verse 3 – "I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar." This seems to be a bit tougher and tougher to adhere to in our modern world where pornography is getting more and more into the mainstream. But, it is such a beautiful and true Psalm of David for us to adhere to! Do you refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar? Do you avoid watching TV shows, reading magazines or papers, or going to see movies where you know you'll end up looking at things vile & vulgar? Don't get me wrong – I'm not saying avoid watching all TV, reading all mags & papers or avoid all movies. I'm just saying that there are some of these forms of media that we know in advance that what they "sell" us will be vile and vulgar. Why would we "buy" that garbage? Refuse to look at it. Don't give it one inch of power over you! (or your kids!)
A portion of verse 2 stood out to me today – "I will lead a life of integrity in my own home." This is powerful. How often do we have integrity outside of our home – but then not display integrity within our own home? Think this is healthy? Should we strive for leading a life of integrity within our own home?
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 14 verse 13 teaches us today: "Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." This is an interesting look at laughter!
Worship Video: Today's readings remind me of For King and Country's song "Fix My Eyes:"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lol1tOMR3Y
Where are your eyes fixed these days? Click here to fix your eyes!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:1-3 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you personally are in relationship with the Word, Jesus. Pray that you know that Jesus is the eternal Alpha and Omega, first and last Word of all things. Pray for those that you know who are not in relationship with Jesus, that they will come to know the Word made flesh.
Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Some say laughter is the best medicine… and oftentimes I agree. But, this Proverb tells us that laughter may not always heal a heavy heart… Perhaps something more than laughter is needed when we have a heavy heart? Perhaps – God is needed? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
Judges 11-12:15
What jumped out at me today, in this book that records that “every man did that which was right in his own eyes (21:25),” was the reversal of relationships in doing what was evil. Yesterday and Thursday we read about Abimelech, son of Gideon, aka, Jerubbaal, the illegitimate son, killing his seventy brothers, save but one, and ruling or judging as a political judge, not a spiritual one. Today we have the legitimate sons of Gilead not killing but forcing out the illegitimate son, their half-brother. Is it just me but has anyone notice that the judges have moved from have any kind of spiritual influence to just plan brut force? It seems God is using them in spite of themselves.
I am only guessing as to why they didn’t kill him but it could have been that he was a “great warrior,” and with all great warriors they usually have a “posse.” Regardless of illegitimacy or legitimacy I saw that the perversion of God’s commands and wickedness does not dwell in a particular family, neighborhood or person. We sometimes try to compartmentalize “sin” by giving deference to a particular time, place, space and people as being sinless. Folks run from neighborhood to neighborhood, state to state looking for “good” places and communities which to raise their young, when in reality the danger that we think dwells without, really resides within.
Each one did what was right in his own eyes implies that what everyone else did was wrong, but what I do is right. This sets up the individual as his or her own god. So even though we read in this book about Israel swinging from god to God, like a trapeze artist swinging from bar to bar, the gods they really served were the gods of their own self interest, the gods that lived in their hearts.
Are we guilty of serving our own gods and calling them something else, swinging from bar to bar, from god to God thinking we are safe because the mercy of God has formed a net underneath us? If the net or when the net is removed, do we cry out to God, “Where were You? When in reality we were grabbing for the wrong trapeze.
John 1:1-28
What I absolutely love about this Gospel is the image of light and True light, and the juxtaposing of truth with non-truth. This passage mentions that John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin and elder by birth by six months, proclaimed the “Light” that was Christ and gave testimony validating that Light.
8 John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. 9The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was going to come into the world.
Take note if the writer is distinguishing between true light, know for certain there is a false one, in other words it illuminates to a point but leaves many things in the shadows.
What light am I serving? Do I need to get rid of a dimly lit bulb I’m calling the revelation of God? Thoughts that make one do some soul searching.
Psalm 101:1-8
Mike, in the King James Version verse three reads,
I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Maybe the KJV and NKJV can be understood clearer this time and with this verse. The NLT using, “I will refuse to look at” leaves us helpless in keeping outside forces from passing before us. We would have to go into a cave or put our eyes out to stop the onslaught of smut that comes before our eyes just walking down the street. Working in a college it’s not so much as what some folks are wearing that comes before my eyes, but what they aren’t wearing.
The King James talks about us placing something wicked before our very own eyes. Now if something wicked this way comes propelled by a human being that we have no control over, that’s one thing, but if we stop and stare at it then we are setting “it” before our eyes.
Proverbs 14:13-14
Laughter may conceal a heavy heart, just think of all the stand-up comics and comedians through the ages who are bitter, hurting people, but surly laughter that proceeds from a merry heart brings healing. (Proverbs 15:13;17:22). The key is the state of the heart. If the heart is merry then the laughter is legitimately flowing from the inside. But only God knows what is really in the heart of a person.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
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The Scripture in Judges 11 is very disturbing to me because I believe that the Bible says what it means and means what it says. Therefore, I believe that the daughter of Jephthah was offered as a burned sacrifice because Jephthah made that vow with God. The lesson here is that we are not and should not put ourselves in a position to barter with God. We are not to make deals with God that we will do something for Him if He does a particular favor for us. We are to dedicate ourselves to God on a daily basis and ask that His will be done in all that we do. We are not to try to buy his favors. Bartering means that what we have is equal to what He has so we will trade off so each of us will be justly rewarded. We can’t buy God because we have nothing to offer God that is as valuable as what God has to offer us. He is too great and we are too insignificant for that! We are just to love God and accept Him as our Savior and for that alone He will shower us with His blessings.
God Bless!
Pat
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Mike and Pat,
re: Jephthah and daughter
I will just reitierate. What you are reading is an English translation. The Hebrew is tricky here, and I am not sure the flavor of Jephthah's vow, or what happens after the daughter's two month sojourn is accuratley reflected.
Literal Hebrew translation of verse 31 is:
"then it hath been, that which at all cometh out from the doors of my house to meet me in my turning back in peace from the Bene-Ammon — it hath been to Jehovah, or I have offered up for it — a burnt-offering.'"
It seems like if it was a person – they would be dedicated to the Lord (like Samuel), and maybe if an animal offered as a sacrifice.
Regardless it is a very tricky translation. I believe the original Hebrew and Greek transcripts are inerrant. I would not make the same claim for some translations that all too many people depend on to form opinions.
The vow was foolish and unnecessary, and I think the Holy Spirit here is saying to be cautious what you promise the Lord. I think the punishment for the foolish vow was that the line of Jephthah died with him, that his daughter served the Lord and remained a virgin for her life. That is a very severe punishment for a culture that emphasized family lines. It is especially hard for Jephthah who was spurned and made too feel insignificant in his early years. Grandkids he could have loved and treated differently would have been a great comfort to him – but because of his vow it was not to be.
John
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John 1:6 can apply to all of us "There was a man sent from God whose name was John…He came to be a witness of the Light.. Great truth. God uses individual men and women like John to make a difference in the world.
On another note, "There was a man sent from God whose name was William Wilberforce, the great slave abolitionist, and social reformer.." I have seen the Amazing Grace movie three times in the last month on the big screen. What a great example of being 'salt and light' to this world was William Wilberforce. If you haven't seen it yet, please find a theater where it's playing and you'll be inspired to 'be that person sent from God' to make a difference not only in preaching the gospel but 'being the gospel to others…
Luch
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In Judges, concerning Jephthah and his vow, i read extensively long commentary by Vernon McGee, it convinced me that Jephthah did not offer his daughter as a burnt offering, first, thats murder and God never has or will accept a human as a dead sacrifice, He has called us to be a "living sacrifice". He was grieved bcos he would not have grandchildren n his line wouldnt continue and it says his daughter was obedient. As we know wen God called Abraham to offer up Isaac, it was a test, He never intended Isaac to be sacrificed. The only human sacrifice was Jesus, tho both God and man, He was without sin.
The beginning of John is amazing, where He relays Jesus is the`Word and always existed, "so the Word became flesh". Jesus is the I am, He always existed.
v 12-13 "But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God."
Here is the proof, we must be born again, not merely, yes, i know Jesus died for our sins, satan himself knows that. We have to be transformed. Its a miracle from God as well.
My study bible says regarding the term "backslider": This term, so often used by the prophets, is here used in such a way to clarify who is a backslider. He belongs in the category of the fool, the wicked and the disobedient and he is contrasted with the godly wise. It is a word that the prophets used of apostate unbelievers.
Prov. Back wen i was going through a severe depression, constantly thinking of suicide, I was the girl who laughed the most. No one knew the pain i was in. i still laugh a lot, but i just remember coming home feeling like i was hiding my pain and it was awful. I felt like I was everybody's clown, but i was desperately hurting under it all. I was tired of being everyone's clown, cheering everyone up, being silly, making everyone laugh…no one was there to cheer me up. that was yrs ago, God brought me thru that. I now know many who laugh the loudest are hurting the most!
Jenny
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Hey! Last week I told you I'd missed you, but never said why.
Today is a perfect example of why.
Thanks for your suggestion to PRAYERFULLY
read John, and ask God to help me know Jesus
more this year than ever before. I never thought of that.
I'm not as excited as you say in your blog.
For some reason, the Old Testament is more exciting.
But when you said prayerfully read and
ask, I know God will answer and something's gonna happen.
In regards to your thought some have probably
dropped out…
I can tell you from my experience
since I made the decision this year, it has been one thing
after another, all "battling" to keep me out of the Word!
Coming here is encouraging and both you/those who share,
probably don't realize how much of a blessing you are!
Thank You Lord and thanks you brothers and sisters in Christ.
susanne
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I love the Gospel of John … the light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it… Jesus loves us, loved us even though we didn't understand or know who He is. The book of John always makes me feel "loved" by Jesus, in a special way.
Psalm 101:2 I will be careful to lead a blameless life—
when will you come to me?
I will walk in my house
with blameless heart.
3 I will set before my eyes
no vile thing.
The deeds of faithless men I hate;
they will not cling to me.
These verses have always been a red flag to me to walk in holiness and purity EVEN when noone is looking!:) It's sometimes hard, in my flesh, to not watch things on TV that aren't "right" before God, especially if I'm alone and noone will know. We have a "no rated R" rule in my house , but sometimes PG13's aren't quite holy either! 🙂 So I'm working on setting before my eyes no vile thing, and trying to train up my son that way too. It is difficult in this day and age. But I keep praying, and the Lord helps me.
Katie
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Hi. This is my first post here. First, thanks for this blog. You have obviously put alot into it. I really appreciate it.
Second, thoughts that "came" to me as I was reading Judges. I use KJV so I don't know exactly what words the other versions use. In v31, his vow says "whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house," interesting that he does not say "whosoever". But why would he have expected something non-human to "come from the doors" of his house? Unless he didn't mean his home but something more like 'the gates of his property'? Was he trusting God to send the animal He wanted to be sacrificed at the appropriate time? Nevertheless I think it was a warning not to make rash vows or bargains with the Lord.
Patty
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I'm still here Mike!
Today's OT reading was all new to me! When Jephthah said whatever came out of his house to meet him was not a smart thing to say. Family would come to greet him most likely, even if he had a dog that was an odd thing to say. Then he followed thru on his vow.
His faith had been tarnished by the people of the land & he had forgotten as you said the Lord had forbidden it. I wonder how many of us are doing the same thing? We go to our churches but you hear so many different things taught that are not Biblical but you feel you are being righteous because it was taught there. Hope I made this clear, it's very early in the morning.
I love the DVD of John, I too, saw it at the movies & was touched beyond belief. I cried as if I relived my coming to Christ again. I haven't seen it in awhile so will look forward to watching it when we finish the book of John.
Psalms today was very convicting.
Thank you for all you do here.
Julie
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First of all, I'll like to thank Mike for providing this forum for discussions; this is highly appreciated.
I was mostly touched by Judges 11:34-39 – I want to believe that Jephthah was a bit rash in making such a vow, could he not have imagined the possibility of any member of his household coming to welcome him? But the lesson here for me was that he followed through! I mean he was faithful enough to follow through even though it meant sacrificing his only child! God is not demanding for us make a vow, but He expects us to fulfill it if we make one; its up to us to be careful about the vows we make!
Again Jephthah's daughter must have been a very obedient child, she did not even argue or accuse the father, she willingly surrendered herself for the sacrifice! Knowing my kind of person, I would not have surrendered without a fight! I would not even surrender, Jephthah would have to figure out other ways of fulfilling his vow.
I loved reading the book of John, this confirms that Jesus is also God and He dwelt among us.
Thanks everyone and have a great day!
Susan
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The Gospel according to John… ahhh… And it's finally spring here in New England. Life is good. God is good. The first five verses of John are some of my absolute favorites… next to chapter ten that is… and fourteen… and, well, John is simply amazing. Great video. Thanks for posting. We're still with you Mike!
Art
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Hi Mike,
I'm still here and have been here everyday. I just don't always have time to post up to the blog.
I believe that laughter is good medicine. An Apple a day keeps the doctor away but laughter everyday keeps the devil away. I believe by having laughter in our lives on a daily bases our hearts will never become too heavy. Laughter is good for the soul. When you keep Jesus in your life, pray and talk with him everyday and share Him with others one can't help to be light hearted and laugh.
He is the way, the truth and the life. Be joyful and laugh!
Yours in Christ
Skip
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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
THis has been one of my favorite Bible Verses. When I think that God came to live among us through Jesus, I am just overwhelmed with the wonder of it.
Judie
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Mike and everyone,
Mike, thank you for sharing with us your excitement and enthusiasm in reading God's Word! I appreciate very much your encouragement!
John 1:23,27 NASB
23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
27 It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”
I feel as God's servants that is our role – a voice crying out in the world to make the Lord known, and to make straight the way of the Lord. It's our honor to serve Him, whose sandal we are not worthy to untie.
John 1:17 NASB
17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
In his sermon 'From His Fullness We Have All Received, Grace Upon Grace', November 9, 2008, John Piper said:
"Moses gives the law, Christ brings the fullness of grace and truth.
The contrast is that Moses points to grace, but Jesus performs grace.
Moses reports the words of God. Jesus is the Word of God.
The law mirrors the light of God. Jesus is the light of God."
As God and Christ's servant, we sometimes receive praises, others sometimes see us as higher than we are. It is important to remember, that our job is to point to Grace, to share God's light, God's Word.
He alone is the Glory and should receive all the glory.
God bless,
Joyce
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Psalms 101 really spoke to me and helped me to remember the definition of integrity. As the dictionary defines it:
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Where do I get my principles. From the word, prayer and the holy spirit. I continuously pray I am a man with clarity, humility, self control, perseverance and that finds security through god.
The problem with our world today, is we define our own integrity. It is not based on any moral standards. Psalm 101 is so clear.
Joe
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Hey just wanted to say I enjoying reading your daily posts. I'm fairly new to reading the Bible and am enjoying my one year edition. However, sometimes I really don't know how to take it (e.g. Jepthah killing his daughter in the name of God.) but your simplistic breakdown makes it easier to digest. Cheers, Chris
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Hi, just wanted to say that I am still on board with the One Year Bible Study. Have not missed a day..Just have had a lot of other work that has kept me busy from blogging. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting in the Word each and every day this year. Have had lots of insight and understanding throughout the last 7 old testament reads, and halfway through Psalms, and a portion of Proverbs. I too am glad of reading the book of John..it is always a very good compassionate chapter of the relationship of John and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Also, I too was sad to see the fate of Jephthah's daughter, and too hope that she didn't get burned or destroyed, however, like Patty said it was a harsh approach for a woman, healthy and beautiful as I presume she was, a real "catch" to be refused to marry, or have a child, and to not be able to carry on Jephthah's lineage. Yes, definitely be careful with what we say aloud. However, I admire Jephthah with being one of the few men who did as he said and being a man of his word. Yes, Laughter is great and wonderful medicine for the soul! However, knowing that we have the grace of God and His mercy, a New Mercy every day brings that peace and that joy that is above all else!
Dee
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I guess the lesson of Jephthah is not to make rash vows in an attempt to get God to do something. There is a fundamental lack of understanding of God's heart and motives towards us that would cause someone to make such a vow. We have to realize that God's plans and desires for us are always good. We don't have to twist His arm to get Him to bless us. All we have to do is trust in His character. Today, as I read this account of Jephthah, I was impressed with his grasp of history. I know that I would have a hard time repeating all the names and places of my nations history. And how is it that the people taught their children their history but not the worship on God alone? I guess you can't teach something that you don't practice yourself, especially to kids, but this makes it clear that the people couldn't claim ignorance of the mighty things God had done for them.
Terriann
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Judges -What caught my attention is Jephthah sacrificing his daughter as he promised God if God gave the Amorites into his hands whatever comes out of the door of his house to meet him after his triumph, he will sacrifice it (this happened to be her daughter) to God. It is hard to accept that God allowed this. Could somebody know if God really allowed this to happen? How many times we asked something from God in exchange for a promise on our part. I suppose God does not want us to bargain with Him. In this chapter Jephthah bargained with God for a favor. Jesus told Satan not to tempt God when He was in the wilderness.
This is quite different from God testing Jacob in sacrificing Isaac, I believe. God saved Isaac and provided the sacrificial animal.
Proverbs – True Ramona – Laughter is the best medicine only if we are laughing and happy inside. How many times do I laugh when I am really hurting inside?
Lily
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I agree with the scholars who say the daughter wasn't actually killed. The fact that she mourns her virginity is interesting. If she knew she was about to be killed, it seems she would mourn her life, but if she knew she was to be "sacrificed" as a life-long servant in the house of the Lord, never to have a house of her own, it would make sense to mourn virginity.
We have the example of Hannah dedicating Samuel in the same way.
Also, exactly what did he think was going to come out of the house? A dog?
No, probably a servant, which wouldn't have been that big of a loss.
I can't imagine that God would have accepted anything that resembled the worship of the pagan nations as a fulfillment of worship to Him.
You also have to deal with Hebrews passage where Jephthah is listed with the examples of faith.
Jenny White
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This is a good article I found on the subject of Jephthah's vow.
http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx224.htm
Translating AND to OR in this passage makes more sense considering the text and bible as a whole.
"Adam Clarke, for example, provided in his commentary the Hebrew text of the vow, and then noted, "the translation of which, according to the most accurate Hebrew scholars, is this: 'I will consecrate it to the Lord, or I will offer it for a burnt-offering.' That is, 'If it be a thing fit for a burnt offering, it shall be made one; if fit for the service of God, it shall be consecrated to Him'" (Clarke's Commentary, vol. 2, p. 151). This argument is based largely on a single Hebrew connective particle in the latter part of Jephthah's vow, and whether or not it should be understood disjunctively. The phrase, as usually translated, is: "Whatever comes out of the doors of my house … shall be the Lord's, AND I will offer it up as a burnt offering" (Judges 11:31). If this connective particle is to be understood disjunctively, however, which it often is in the biblical text, then the phrase would be translated: "Whatever comes out of the doors of my house … shall be the Lord's, OR I will offer it up as a burnt offering."
Eric
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