Jephthah’s Vow
This painting is the first in a trilogy of works which depict the Old Testament story of Jephthah. The sources for the paintings are Judges XI 30-40, and were commissioned by the fine arts publisher, Fairless & Beeforth (establishers of the Doré and Lawrence Gallery). This trilogy of paintings was first exhibited in 1886 at the Lawrence Gallery, and for the next ten years at the Doré Gallery as The Story of Jephthah.
The first depicts Jephthah’s return after defeating the Ammonites. This was achieved through his vow with God in which he agreed to sacrifice the person to greet him on his return.
‘whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the Lord’s, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering’ (Judges 11:30-31).
Tragically, this was his only daughter.
