Re:Verse reading–Judges 17:1-6; 18:1; 19:1; 20:1-7; 21:25 (day one)
“In those days there was no King in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”–17:6
Sad and instructive chapters. We watch as Israeli society disintegrates.
Every decision seems worse than the preceding. A Israeli man has an idol (17). The tribe of Dan steals it and sets the idol up for their whole tribe (18) (Dan eventually became a center for idolatry in Israel). The gang rape of an concubine (19). Inter-tribal war to vindicate her death (20) A rash decision, followed by a worse one. (21)
Amazed and helpless we watch this tragedy unfold and fear that we are living in a similar moment. Over and over the diagnostic sentence is repeated. NO King in Israel (not God, no governor). Unrestricted and unchallenged personal choice. Chaos results.
It isn’t inevitable. The book of Ruth tells of people in the same period who lived with faith and humility under the Government of God. Very different outcomes.
May the Lord give us ears.
