(11v30-40) A hastily made vow cause Jephthah regret. God does not desire burnt offerings but the sacrifice of a contrite heart! Question - is Mizpah offered as a literal burnt offering, or like a burnt offering - ie. dedicated to the Lord's service?
The account of Samson - who must be understood in the context of Hebrews 11 - 'who through faith... gained what was promised...' What was the promise? (13v5) 'He will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines'. Samson was to act as one who would (at least in part) deliver God's people from the enemy. He was able to obtain the promise 'through faith' (Hebrews 11v33) - ie. he believed the promises of God, in particular concerning his hair. We obtain God's promise of deliverance from the enemy, Satan, through faith in Christ. Without the Lord, we are as powerless as Samson without his long hair. With the Lord, we have victory because of his strength.
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