File:Daughters of Israel Bewailing Daughter of Jephthah.jpg

Summary
Daughters of Israel Bewailing Jephthah's Daughter

Judges 11:37-11:40

11:37. She said to her father: Grant me only this, which I desire: Let me go, that I may go about the mountains for two months, and may bewail my virginity with my companions.

Bewail my virginity. . .The bearing of children was much coveted under the Old Testament, when women might hope that from some child of theirs, the Savior of the world might one day spring. But under the New Testament virginity is preferred. 1 Cor. 7.35.

'''11:38. He answered her: Go. And he sent her away for two months. And when she was gone with her comrades and companions, she mourned her virginity in the mountains.'''

'''11:39. The two months being expired, she returned to her father, and he did to her as he had vowed, and she knew no man. From thence came a fashion in Israel, and a custom has been kept:'''

11:40. That, from year to year, the daughters of Israel assemble together, and lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite, for four days.