Judges 20-21
Judges 20-21 picks up where Judges 17-19 left off (and not in a good way). The Israelites assembled to discuss what had happened to the dismembered woman, and the Levite tells them his “truth.” He leaves out a few vital parts that may have drastically shifted how the Israelites handled the situation. He states that the men of Gibeah wanted to kill him and leaves out the part that his concubine was given to them (even though we see with hindsight the truth recorded earlier in 19:22-25). This false witness leads the Israelites down a dark path with lots of stumbling (as sin does to those who commit it and those around them).
Instead of verifying the account of the Levite with even one or two more witnesses, they decide to confront and accuse the Benjamites. Unfortunately, the responses from the Israelites and the Benjamites reflected just how far they had strayed from God and the truth. The Israelites went to God, but not with a question about whether or not they should fight the Benjamites (or believe the Levite’s story), but with a question about who they should send first (20:18). The Benjamites, instead of searching for a way to settle things peacefully and purge the sin from among them, decide to go to battle as well (v.14). This doesn’t end well for the Benjamites. The Israelites (though experiencing their fair share of casualties) wiped out over twenty-five thousand Benjamites (v.35) and burned up their towns (v.48). However, it also doesn’t go well for the Israelites either.
After realizing that they may have been a little harsh (or extremely harsh), they decide to find a way to help restore the tribe of Benjamin. Sadly, this only resulted in more death and suffering. People of Jabesh Gilead were killed (21:12), the Israelites grieved with and for the Benjamites (v.15), and the young women of Shiloh were caught in the crossfire (v.23). Israel had no king, no ruler, and they did as they saw fit. God was certainly in the picture for the Israelites but He wasn’t in the foreground (or close to their hearts and minds).
The consequences for sin aren’t anything to scoff at. In James 1:15 we read, “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” Desire is where sin and death start, but it’s also where a Godly and Christ-centered life can begin. As a child, whenever I went to a Zoo or an Aquarium, I desired to be close enough to reach out and touch the animals God had created. However, as an adult, I understand why they took many precautions (such as very thick glass or bars) and certain animals were/are exempt from the petting zoo. Though I long for the day when “The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest,” (Isaiah 11:8 ESV) I’d like to keep my head, shoulders, knees, and toes intact in between now and then. God has given us desires, which, when handled appropriately, result in life to the fullest (both in this one and the next). However, when we place ourselves as a god, king, or ruler in our hearts and minds, we begin to live like the Israelites and lose God-given opportunities to live the way God intended for us.
-Jeffrey Seiders
REFLECTION Q’s
- The Levite told the Israelites his version of the truth and many people suffered. When you tell your version of the truth, is it aligned with God and His truth, purpose, and plan? If not, who can hold you accountable and help realign your truth with God’s?
- The Israelites eventually realized they had “gone too far” with the Benjamites. In what ways have you “gone too far” and realized you needed to do something about it? What did you do and could you have done more to prevent further pain and heartache?
- In James 1:15, we read about desire giving birth to sin, and sin bringing death. What desires do you have that have led you down a dangerous path? How can those desires, with God and His son in mind, be handled healthily for God’s truth, purpose, and plan in your life?
**Optional question: Some people look forward to seeing certain kinds of animals in God’s kingdom. What are you most looking forward to in God’s kingdom? Why?**
Seek Grow Love 