page_title: Jephtha (Handel)
section_title: Act 2
hierarchical_section_title: Jephtha (Handel) / Synopsis / Act 2
caption_attribution_description: Covent-Garden Theatre: This engraving was published as Plate 27 of Microcosm of London (1808) (see File:Microcosm of London Plate 027 - Covent Garden Theatre.jpg).
context_page_description: Jephtha is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel with an English language libretto by the Rev. Thomas Morell, based on the story of Jephtha in Judges and Jephthes sive votum by George Buchanan. Whilst writing Jephtha, Handel was increasingly troubled by his gradual loss of sight, and this proved to be his last oratorio. In the autograph score, at the end of the chorus "How dark, O Lord, are thy decrees" he wrote "Reached here on 13 February 1751, unable to go on owing to weakening of the sight of my left eye."
  The story revolves around Jephtha's rash promise to the Almighty that if he is victorious, he will sacrifice the first creature he meets on his return. He is met by his beloved daughter Iphis. Unlike the original Biblical story, an angel intervenes to stop the sacrifice, and Iphis only needs to dedicate her life to the Lord. In contrast, the Biblical story states that her father chose to sacrifice her, but a short reprieve is arranged, after which Iphis dutifully returns and is killed.
  Staged performance of material based on biblical subjects was forbidden in Great Britain at the time the work was premiered.
context_section_description: Hamor brings Iphis the welcome news that her father has utterly vanquished the Ammonites in battle. The Israelites celebrate their resounding victory, which they ascribe to angelic assistance (Chorus:Cherub and seraphim). Having proved himself in the battle, Hamor hopes that Iphis will now agree to marry him (Air:Up the dreadful steep ascending). Iphis prepares to go out to congratulate her father with other young girls, greeting him with song and dance (Air:Tune the soft melodious lute). Zebul is jubilant that Jephtha has won liberty for his people (Air:Freedom now once more possessing) but Jephtha insists that the glory is the Lord's (Air:His mighty arm, with sudden blow).The Israelites offer thanks to God (Chorus: In glory high, in might serene).
  Iphis leads a procession of young girls singing and dancing to welcome her father's return (Air:Welcome as the cheerful light and Chorus of Virgins: Welcome thou) but Jephtha is horrified that his daughter is the first living thing he has seen on his return and orders her to leave him. His vow requires him to sacrifice his only child, but he would prefer to die himself (Air:Open thy marble jaws, O tomb). He explains to his wife, brother and Hamor that having made this rash vow he must now kill his daughter. His wife vehemently rejects this horrific prospect (Accompanied recitative:First perish thou and air:Let other creatures die) and Hamor pleads to be allowed to die in his sweetheart's place (Air:On me let blind mistaken zeal). All three implore Jephtha not to carry out his cruel vow but he insists that he has no choice (Quartet:Oh, spare your daughter). Iphis returns, having heard of her father's vow (Accompanied recitative: Such news flies swift) and accepts that she must now be killed by the hand of her father (Air:Happy they). Jephtha is deeply anguished (Accompanied recitative:Deeper, and deeper still) but still feels he must fulfill his vow. The Israelites comment on the unknowable ways of God (Chorus:How dark, O Lord, are Thy decrees).
caption: A picture of the theatre at Covent Garden where Jephtha was first performed
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