An expression used of making a vow (see Ps. 66:13, 14). To be binding, a vow had to be uttered (Num. 30:2, 3, 7; Deut. 23:23).

This translation is far too weak. The word used here for “trouble,” ‘akar, designates unusual grief, anxiety, or distress. All of Jephthah’s life had been a continuous succession of strife and trouble. Now his own precious daughter becomes the one who brings him the most poignant grief of all.

When Jephthah saw his daughter the full significance of his rash vow rendered him weak, crushed.

 A usual custom among Hebrews for expressing extreme grief (Gen. 37:29; 2 Sam. 13:19, 31; etc.).

 It was considered a terrible wrong to go back on such a serious vow. There were two kinds of vows among the Hebrews—the simple vow, neder (Lev. 27:2-27), and the “devotion” or “ban,” cherem. Anything devoted to God by the cherem was not redeemable, became “most holy” to Him, and was to be put to death (Lev. 27:28, 29; see on Lev. 27:2, 28). Jephthah’s vow was a neder. Despite its sacredness, the one who vows it is not under obligation to keep it if it binds him to perform a wrong act (see PP 506). Jephthah’s vow was contrary to the express command of the law and therefore was not binding. However he felt that it was binding, and though he had sworn to his own hurt, he would not change.