Jephthah’s first words to his daughter convey that he had not expected her to be the one to meet him. Perhaps he expected one of his servants to meet him. But even more to the point, his words convey that he casts all the blame on her for his distress. He had expected to be exalted because of his victory, but he makes clear by his words you have brought me very low
that he has been humbled. He sees as most important not so much his daughter’s life but his own reputation. He offers to his only child no compassion and no comfort. “In his mind, she has driven him to his knees as one who troubles him (Judges 11:35), when in fact, it was his own egocentricity and manipulative tendencies that had brought about this tragedy.”1 Thus, we need not feel sorry for Jephthah.
35 And as soon as he saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you have become the cause of great trouble to me. For I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I cannot take back my vow.”