The story of Jephthah’s daughter is one of the “texts of terror” in the memorable words of one scripture scholar. When Jephthah goes into battle he vows to God he will sacrifice the first thing he sees if he is triumphant. The first thing he sees is his (unnamed) daughter. He feels obliged to fulfill that vow. Part of the terrible part of the story is that Jephthah blames the victim. “Alas, daughter, you have struck me down .‘ Like any abuser, the one being beat upon is considered responsible for the beating. The more subtle way that we participate in a system of terror is by going along meekly with things we know are wrong, thinking “It’s not my fault.” We put up with nuclear weapons even though they are immoral in themselves. We abide the mistreatment of immigrants hiding behind the law. We tolerate a divided Church because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Can we break the curse of Jephthah and do what is right instead of what is easy?
