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At Jephtha's Front Porch
Judge Jephtha, did you really think your vow---
rash as it was---could bind the Lord your God
to grant consent to that barbaric sin,
forbidden by Divine Law, that has been
the rule in Israel, both then and now?
Not even Isaac was acceptable:
God has just one Lamb worthy of that role,
He Who will rule the nations with a rod
of iron; but Grace for each human heart.
Touch not your daughter's throat, nor take her life,
nor shed her blood: resheathe that battle knife.
Take her to Shiloh, to the holy place.
Among God's ministers, she will take part,
serving the Lord and ever virginal
(her death, when it comes, will be natural).
Starward
[jlc]
