It seems that Jephthah uses the Lord’s name merely to further his own claims. Previously, he had appealed to the Lord as judge between him and the Ammonites (Judges 11:27). But now he makes no move toward placing this dispute in the hands of God. He simply mentions the Lord’s name to enhance his own case.1
3 And when I saw that you would not save me, I took my life in my hand and crossed over against the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?”