Jephthah was an Israelite general who was raised up by God to free His people from 18 years of oppression under the Ammonites. He was a “mighty man of valor” (JUDGES 11:1), but he was also a hypocrite in religious devotion and allowed himself to be influenced by the pagan religions of the peoples living around him, which included the practice of human sacrifice. In this light, Jephthah, wanting victory over his enemies badly, makes a pious, but foolish vow to the Lord which unnecessarily cost his daughter and only child her life (JUDGES 11:29-40). While pretending madness, Hamlet addresses Polonius (II, ii):
HAMLET: O Jephthah, judge of Israel, what a treasure hadst thou!
LORD POLONIUS: What a treasure had he, my lord?
HAMLET: Why,
‘One fair daughter and no more,
The which he loved passing well.’
LORD POLONIUS: [Aside] Still on my daughter.
HAMLET: Am I not i’ the right, old Jephthah?
LORD POLONIUS: If you call me Jephthah, my lord, I have a daughter
that I love passing well.
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