What is the meaning of "Harpei"?
Kli Yakar (Lani'ado): She wanted to go to the Sanhedrin or Pinchas to ask if his vow can be permitted. He did not want her to lower herself, or he did not want to delay fulfilling his vow. She asked him to pardon his adamancy.
Metzudas Tziyon: It is an expression of softening. 1
If he separated hetfor Avodas Hashem, she requested two months to cry first. If he actually offered her, she requested that he delay for two months; Yiftach consented. She could have requested a year, married and perhaps given birth before he offered her! Perhaps Yiftach could not delay past the coming festival, due to Bal Te'acher. Or, since she was Hukdash to be an Olah, no man could benefit from her. (PF)
What is the meaning of "v'Yaradti Al he'Harim"?
Rashi: It is an expression of wailing 1 , like "Al Gagoseha? Yeyaleil Yored ba'Bechi" (Yeshayah 15:3). One is sad amidst crying until the body breaks.
Rashi citing Tanchuma (Bechukosai 5): I will go to the mountains, i.e. the Sanhedrin 2 ; perhaps they will find a Pesach (opening of regret) to permit your vow. 3
Radak #1: This means simply to descend on the mountains; Yiftach's house was in Mitzpah, high on the mountains.
Radak #2: I will descend to the valley between Mitzpah and the mountains [and then ascend]. We find like this - "va'Ya'alu Osam Emek Achur" (Yehoshua 7:24).
Radak, citing Targum Yonasan: V'Isnegid Al Turaya. Mahari Kara, Lev Yitzchak - this is to be isolated on the mountains.
Radak: It is like "Arid b'Sichi" (Tehilim 55:3).
Tanchuma: Hashem caused that they not find a Pesach.
Presumably, "v'Evkeh" is if they will not find a Pesach. (PF)
What is the meaning of "v'Evkeh Al Besulai"?
Malbim: She isolated herself not to marry, only to serve Hashem.
