R³ Devotional - Day 96

The last few chapters of the book of Judges I believe, are the darkest and most troubling in the Bible. They provide a glimpse into the social and moral decay that characterized Israel during the period of the Judges. This study unpacks the lessons and insights from these chapters.

Judges 19: The Levite and his Concubine

A Levite and his concubine experience a horrific event in the city of Gibeah. After the concubine is brutally abused and killed by the men of the city, the Levite dismembers her body and sends it to the twelve tribes of Israel. This act sparks outrage among the Israelites.

Real Life Principles:

1. The Moral Decay in Israel

• The Levite’s dismemberment of his concubine’s body and the violence against her reflect the depths of moral corruption. It reveals how far Israel had fallen from God’s commands and the righteous justice. The story mirrors the moral degradation described earlier in the book.
  
  
• The elders of Gibeah’s failure to offer hospitality leads to the horrific events of violence and sin. This demonstrates the breakdown of the community’s moral fabric. Hospitality is meant to protect travelers, but here it leads to betrayal.
  
  
• The concubine, as an unnamed woman, is treated as a mere object in this narrative. Her suffering and death reflect the disregard for women’s dignity and rights in that era, especially when women were often viewed as property.
  
  
• The dismembering of the concubine’s body and the sending of pieces to the tribes of Israel is a call for justice. It serves as a visual representation of the sickening crime and demands action. This brings the people to confront the tribe of Benjamin.

Judges 20: Israel’s war with the tribe of Benjamin

The tribes of Israel gather to seek justice for the crime in Gibeah. When the tribe of Benjamin refuses to hand over the criminals, a civil war breaks out. The Israelites, after initial losses, ultimately defeat the Benjamites, nearly wiping out the entire tribe, leaving only 600 survivors.

Real Life Principles.

1. The Need for Accountability

• Israel’s demand for justice, though harsh, is rooted in a desire to hold people accountable for serious sin. The refusal of the tribe of Benjamin to deliver the criminals for justice escalates the situation into violence.

2. The Tragic Cost of Sin

• The consequences of the sin in Gibeah lead to the near destruction of one of Israel’s tribes. The people of Israel are faced with the reality that unchecked sin leads to devastating consequences not just for individuals but for entire communities.

3. God’s Sovereignty Amid Judgment

• Although the Israelites suffer defeat in the initial battles, they seek God's guidance. After consulting God, they are granted victory. This shows God’s sovereignty even in the midst of judgment. God allows Israel to suffer setbacks, but in the end, He brings them victory, demonstrating His authority over both justice and mercy.

4. The Brokenness of Israel’s Society

• The internal conflict between the tribes of Israel reflection of the nation. The lack of central leadership and unity to God's law sets the stage for such a war.

Judges 21: Wives provided for the tribe of Benjamin

With the tribe of Benjamin, the remaining Israelites seek to restore the tribe by finding wives for the 600 surviving men. They first destroy the town of Jabesh-gilead because it did not come to the assembly, and the women from there are given to the Benjamites. However, this does not fully solve the problem, and the elders of Israel allow the Benjamites to abduct women from Shiloh during a festival, ensuring the continuation of the tribe.

Real Life Principles:

1. The Consequences of Sin: Further Moral Compromise

• The plan to abduct women from Shiloh further compromises the morality of Israel. The Israelites’ solution to the problem demonstrates the continued moral decay and the lengths they will go to restore a situation they themselves have created.

2. The Tragic Cycle of Sin

• Israel’s pursuit of vengeance and justice through war and violence leads to even greater moral compromise. The solution to their problem is revealing the consequences of forsaking God’s guidance.

3. God’s Mercy and Judgment

• While the solutions proposed in this chapter are morally questionable, the continuation of the tribe of Benjamin may be seen as an act of God's mercy. Despite Israel's disobedience and moral failings, God allows the tribe of Benjamin to survive. This highlights God's persistent grace, even in a time of national crisis and sin.

4. The Absence of Godly Leadership

• This entire situation underlines the theme of the absence of godly leadership in Israel. Without a clear leader or adherence to God's law, the nation is left to rely on their own wisdom and their own desires, resulting in chaos and more sin.

• These chapters show that justice, while difficult, and maintaining peace and order.

Relevant Life Application. Take home:

Judges 19-21 presents a picture of Israel in a time when the absence of a king led to chaos. The events remind us of the dangers of abandoning God's law, the high cost of sin, and the need for Godly leadership. Though filled with tragic violence, these chapters highlight the importance of justice, accountability, and mercy in a fallen world. The closing verse, Judges 21:25 "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of ignoring God’s moral standards.

Ready Action Steps:

How has God spoken to you? What is heard asking of you?