Sacrificing humans was practiced in pagan rituals as an excessive way to win the favour of the gods (for example, 2 Kings 3:27). It was known to Israel, and when they had turned to idolatry they considered and even practiced it. God had strictly prohibited and expressed his loathing against it (Leviticus 20:1–5; Jeremiah 7:31; Micah 6:7).
30 Jephthé fit un vœu à l'Eternel, et dit: Si tu livres entre mes mains les fils d'Ammon,