Act II: 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).