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THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (IX)
MONDAY, MARCH 6
Judges 20:12-14

Isaiah 5:18-21

 

“Woe unto them that draw

iniquity with cords of vanity…”

 

THE MEN WHO FAILED GOD (IX)
 
How the tribe of Benjamin handled the situation also played a part in its escalation. In the previous section, we saw that they did not attend nor even seek to know what had happened as Israel was being given an account of the events. So Israel decided in their absence and before venturing out to execute the judgment they had unanimously agreed on. They had arrived at the conclusion only at the word of one witness which was against God’s requirement of more than one witness for any matter to be established. They sent word throughout Benjamin seeking that the perpetrators be handed over to them.
 
“…What wickedness is this that is done among you?” (Judg 20:12). The men of Benjamin had an opportunity to exonerate themselves so that the innocent would not die with the guilty, but they had already chosen their side. They had earlier sided with the men of Gibeah in their not heeding or responding to the call. They now sided with the men of Gibeah in not hearkening “to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel.” Their love for their “brethren” blinded them to what was right and just.
 
“But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities…” (Judg 20:14). The Bible is clear about associating or identifying with sin and evil doers in their evil. Paul tells the Ephesians, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph 5:11). But the Benjamites gathered together to fight for the evil, and they entered into a battle they could not and would not win.
 
What can we learn here? The frailty of the human mind, and the need to not only trust but adhere to the provisions God has given concerning how to deal with sin. Israel had a bloody civil war because God’s provisions and commands were ignored. The tribes of Israel proceeded, blinded by rage. The Benjamites went forth, blinded by love. The outcome would be disastrous, and eyes would be opened too late.
 
THOUGHT: Love exposes and removes sin. Love does not excuse or shield sin.

PRAYER: Father, may I be quick to confess my sins and to repent.

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