The tragic and pathetic Hebrew narrative of Jephthah and his daughter illustrates the heart-tearing contention between ancient religious customs and advancing civilization, as men and women are addicted to making foolish vows. [1] Historically, vows evolved from self-denial pledges into contracts with gods, offering a form of exchange for self-torture and mortification. [2] Moses enabled his people to escape worst results of human sacrifices by establishing a system of ransom in place of their rash vows. [3]