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THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (II)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Judges 18:1-6

2 Kings 22:1-12

 

“…enquire of the LORD for me,

and for the people…”

 

THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (II)
 
The domestic problem and failure were a reflection of the national condition. This is presented to us here in Judges 18. The nation is made up of tribes, and the tribes made up of families. The nation and tribes were only as faithful and strong as the families were strong and faithful. In Judges 17, we are given the story of Micah’s family. In Judges 18, we have the story of the tribe of Dan. Interestingly, both stories involve the same Levite–Priest for hire. The tribe of Dan had trouble settling into their allotted inheritance. They faced pressure from the Philistines and the Amorites. In their desperation, they looked for alternatives and this brought a group of five spies to the homestead of Micah.
 
“When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the Levite…” (Judg 18:3). Just as Peter, when warming himself by the fire, was identified by his speech, and Jephthah was able to identify the Ephraimites by one word, so Micah’s priest was identified by his voice. The five spies turned in and struck a conversation with the young man. The young man narrated to them how he ended up in the house and although he told them, “I am his priest,” the spies sought his guidance and requested for his prayers for their mission. With this encounter, the stage is set for a family practice to become a tribal practice. The leaven that had leavened Micah’s house would soon encompass the tribe of Dan for they too were discontent.
 
“…Go in peace: before the LORD is your way wherein ye go” (Judg 18:6). The shrine of idolatry was ready with a false hope that would hasten the spies in their mission to disobedience. Joshua and the elders erred in their judgment after taking the “evidence” provided by the Gibeonites and not asking counsel of the LORD. Likewise does everyone else err who does not seek the LORD’s will on any matter no matter how good their intent may be. The spies went, liked what they saw, and brought a “good report” to the tribe, which led to their relocation.
 
THOUGHT: “…burdens are lifted at Calvary.”

PRAYER: Hear and save me in the day of trouble, O Lord.

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