For more much more on this story, see "Think Before You Speak"
In the eleventh chapter of Judges, Jephthah makes a costly vow with God, and wins a battle against the Ammonites. There are three tangible symbols that I will discuss. The message of Jepthath to the king of Ammon (negotiation), the response (war), and the result (sacrifice).
Jepthath's first move was to talk. In the war with the Ammonites, his strategy was negotiation. He clarified the issues so that everyone knew the cause of the conflict. His opponent's response determined his next action. This is a good way to handle any conflict. When we take time to explain our thoughts and feelings, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts.
The army of Ammon decided to fight Jephthah and the army of Israel. The Ammonites were destroyed and twenty cities were subdued. If we decide to engage in a battle, we better be prepared. However, if we decide to engage in a battle with God, we better be prepared to lose.
The final symbol is the sacrifice of Jephthah's daughter. Jephthah made a rash vow to sacrifice the first thing that came out of his house. We can learn several things from this. In the heat of emotion or personal turmoil it is easy to make foolish promises to God. These promises may sound very spiritual when we make them, but they may produce only guilt and frustration when we are forced to fulfill them. Making spiritual "deals" only brings disappointment. God does not want rash promises for the future, but obedience for today.
As for the daughter and her obedience, she did what Jephthah wanted. It is always good to obey God. Even if it costs us our life, we should obey the one who knows more than we do and created us for His perfect purpose. A saying goes, "We don't get what we deserve, we get what we negotiate." Before her sacrificial death, Jephthah's daughter negotiated with him and received 2 months with her girl friends. We may be able to put off God's judgment and extend His mercy, but we cannot escape from God's will. God will do as He pleases, when He pleases.