Calendar

THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (VIII)
LORD’S DAY, MARCH 5
Judges 20:1-11

Numbers 35:30-34

 

“…one witness shall not testify against

any person to cause him to die.”

 

THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (VIII)
 
The Levite’s message had the whole nation in outrage and all Israel went out from Dan in the North to Beersheba in the South. The whole nation was gathered together and when assembled they sought to know how the wickedness occurred. The Levite was given audience to explain what had happened.
 
“…Tell us, how was this wickedness?” (Judg 20:3). The Levite gave his account of the events beginning at his arrival at Gibeah but distorted the night’s events at the old man’s house. That the men sought to slay him was not in the account of Judges chapter 19, and how the men got his concubine was also omitted from the Levite’s account. Probably considering what had happened to his concubine, he concluded that he would have met the same fate had they had their way with him. Indeed, they did force his concubine and that caused her death. But he made no mention of the old man, or of his thrusting out his concubine to them. It is sad that at this national gathering, “the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone to Mizpeh.” Although twelve pieces were sent throughout the land, the children of Benjamin did not respond to the call. They did not seek to hear what had happened though the meeting was convened near them. The divided house was about to have a civil war.
 
“…give here your advice and counsel” (Judg 20:7). The Levite, having concluded his account of what had happened, called for the children of Israel to give their judgment and counsel. He sought that they give “here” their advice and counsel, i.e. a speedy judgment for folly that had been committed against Israel. And as he sought immediate decision, all the people with the effects and emotions brought about by the message they received and the account they had just heard arrived at one conclusion: Gibeah must be punished. The consensus was that they must act, and the unanimous decision was for all to take part, led by those selected by lot. The crowd was roused. Justice would soon be clouded and wild vengeance would ensue.
 
THOUGHT: Vengeance subverts justice when exercised by man.

PRAYER: Vengeance belongs to Thee, Father. May I trust in Thee.

Search