Scripture

In those day,s Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Observation

The Israelites are caught up in their own vows about Benjamin. They had vowed that they would not give their daughters in marriage to any man from the tribe of Benjamin. They now see that the tribe of Benjamin is likely to disappear forever unless they provide wives for the 600 men remaining from Benjamin.

They discover that no one from Jabesh-gilead had attended their assembly. They had vowed that anyone who did not attend would be put to death. so they send 12000 Warriors to Jabesh-gilead to kill all the men, boys, and married women, but to spare the virgins who are to be given to the men of Benjamin.

Application

The author of Judges looks to the new era of a kingdom in Israel to restore order and godliness to the nation. But looking back through history, this hope was not to be fulfilled.

The problem with the era of the judges was not a lack of leadership, but that the leaders themselves were often such poor role models. There were very few people in the nation who understood or valued what it meant to live by the law of God. This would continue through the period of the kings, although with a few exceptions.

Perhaps it is true in the church also. We are often influenced by the society around us more than by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have the King of Kings to lead us, but we must learn to trust Him and obey Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are my King. Please help me to live your way and not to do whatever seems right in my own eyes. Amen