New International Reader's Version

Judges 11:28-34 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

28. But the king of Ammon didn't pay any attention to the message Jephthah sent him.

29. Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah. He went across the territories of Gilead and Manasseh. He passed through Mizpah in the land of Gilead. From there he attacked the people of Ammon.

30. Jephthah made a promise to the Lord. He said, "Hand the Ammonites over to me.

31. If you do, here's what I'll do when I come back from winning the battle. Anything that comes out the door of my house to meet me will belong to you. I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering."

32. Then Jephthah went over to fight against the Ammonites. The Lord handed them over to him.

33. Jephthah destroyed 20 towns between Aroer and the area of Minnith. He destroyed them all the way to Abel Keramim. So Israel brought Ammon under their control.

34. Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah. And guess who came out to meet him. It was his daughter! She was dancing to the music of tambourines. She was his only child. He didn't have any other sons or daughters.