Part 3: The Depths of Israel’s apostasy (Judges 17:1-21:25), continued
Moral and societal corruption (Judges 19:1-21:24), continued
Moral outrage at Gibeah (Judges 19:22-30), continued
See Leviticus 18:22. This was, of course, specifically forbidden by the Law of Moses.This is similar behavior to what happened in Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19).This is the kind of behavior that eventually results when everyone does what is right in his own eyes.Judges 19:27 – The Levites’ behavior toward her was extremely callous.Judges 19:29 – Compare I Samuel 11 when Saul dismembered an ox and sent it throughout the land to bring urgent attention to a matter.Judges 19:30 – This low point in Israel’s history is referenced in Hosea 9:9; 10:9.Civil war (Judges 20:1-48)
Judges 20:1 – Mizpah is in Benjamin, so Israelites were assembling at Benjamin’ doorstep.Judges 20:15 – The 26,000 Benjamites were up against 400,000 Israelites – about a 15:1 ratio.Judges 20:18 – Compare Judges 1 when Judah was also called on to go first.Judges 20:26 – This was not something often seen from Israel in the book of Judges. They were tearfully seeking God and His guidance.See Mark 3:24. A house divided against itself cannot stand.Judges 20:12-13 – The Benjamites were offered a way out, but would not take it. How often do we make the same mistake out of pride?Class 13 Takeaway
The Israelite civil war began because of the wicked actions of a few men in one town and was exacerbated by their brothers’ unwillingness to stand up against their evil deeds.To avoid a similar firestorm in our lives, let’s ensure we are always pursuing what makes for peace and promotes unity in our relationships, but also that we have the courage to take a stand against evil – even when it hits close to home (Romans 14:19; Ephesians 4:3, 13; 5:11).
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