The scene of the first Star
Point is laid beyond the Jordan River in Mizpah, the home of
Jephthah, and the surrounding country, some ninety miles
northeast from Jerusalem and thirty miles southeast of the sea
of Galilee.The countries east of the Jordan, beginning with the
Land of Moab, toward the north are Ammon and Gilead.
At the very beginning we may say that nowhere in the Bible do we
find the name of Jephthah's daughter. She is mentioned by the
phrase "Jephthah's daughter". Modern usage, however, attaches
the name of Adah, and as such she is known to the members of the
Order of the Eastern Star.
The vow that Jephthah made unto the Lord is considered by some
writers as an extremely unfortunate one, and the great blunder
of his life. He doubtless wanted to have every assurance of
success and thus vowed a vow unto the Lord, which cost him the
life of his daughter. Viewed from the human point of view he
may have been incomprehensibly rash in making such a convenant
or vow, yet when once made and success had crowned his efforts,
he could not well turn back, notwithstanding the efforts that
were made by the elders of Gilead to save him from making so
great a human sacrifice. His daughter was perfectly willing that
her life should be sacrificed and thus fulfill her father's
obligation unto Jehovah. And after all, if Jephthah's vow was to
be fulfilled by a human sacrifice, whom other than his own
daughter would you suggest for its fulfillment? In conclusion
may we say in the dying words of President McKinley; "It is
God's way. His will be done."
ADAH
"God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines,
With never-falling skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His gracious will."
ADAH
"Obedience"
Our Star life's not always easy,
We do need rare courage now,
Like that of young, heroic Adah,
Keeping her father's awful vow.
We obey, as she has taught us,
Sometimes cry o'er life's ills;
But steadfast we turn our faces
Far from Adah's lonely hills.
This world has obedient daughters,
Carrying out a hard command;
We must seek them -- weary, troubled,
Their quiet trust and true obedience
Are examples naught can mar.
Bring a candle of rare courage
To the first point of our Star.
