Biblical Context:
The account of the Spirit of the LORD coming upon Jephthah is found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 11:29. This event occurs during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Jephthah, a Gileadite, emerges as a judge of Israel during a time when the Israelites are oppressed by the Ammonites due to their disobedience to God.

Jephthah's Background:
Jephthah is introduced as a mighty warrior, the son of Gilead and a prostitute. Despite his prowess, he is initially rejected by his half-brothers and driven away from his home. He settles in the land of Tob, where he gathers a group of adventurers around him. When the Ammonites wage war against Israel, the elders of Gilead turn to Jephthah for leadership, recognizing his military capabilities. They promise to make him head over all the inhabitants of Gilead if he leads them to victory.

The Spirit of the LORD:
In Judges 11:29, the narrative states, "Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh, and through Mizpah of Gilead, and from there he advanced against the Ammonites" . The coming of the Spirit of the LORD upon Jephthah signifies divine empowerment and approval for the task ahead. This divine intervention is a recurring theme in the Book of Judges, where God raises leaders to deliver Israel from its oppressors.

Theological Significance:
The Spirit of the LORD coming upon Jephthah highlights several theological themes. Firstly, it underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to use unlikely individuals for His purposes. Despite Jephthah's marginalized status and flawed character, God chooses him as an instrument of deliverance. This reflects the biblical principle that God often uses the weak and despised to accomplish His will, as seen throughout Scripture.

Secondly, the empowerment by the Spirit indicates that true deliverance and victory come from God, not human strength or strategy. Jephthah's military success is attributed to the Spirit's presence, emphasizing that Israel's salvation is ultimately a divine act.

Jephthah's Vow:
Following the Spirit's empowerment, Jephthah makes a vow to the LORD, promising to offer as a burnt offering whatever comes out of the door of his house to meet him if he returns victorious (Judges 11:30-31). This vow, which results in tragic consequences, has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. It serves as a cautionary tale about the seriousness of vows made to God and the importance of aligning one's promises with God's will and character.

Conclusion of Jephthah's Leadership:
Jephthah leads Israel to victory against the Ammonites, fulfilling his role as a judge and deliverer. His leadership, however, is marred by the fulfillment of his rash vow, which leads to the sacrifice of his daughter. Jephthah's account is a complex narrative that illustrates both the power of God's Spirit to enable His chosen leaders and the human frailty that can lead to tragic outcomes when divine guidance is not fully heeded.