Read Judges 18
Highlights:
Danites take Micah’s idols and his priest, Jonathan; Danites attack Laish; moral degradation; the Levite’s concubine slain.
And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehem-judah (Judges 19:1).
Israel continued to ignore God's Word. Consequently, we read: In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1). This means they were doing whatever seemed most gratifying.
To illustrate the deplorable moral condition that existed at that time, a Levite, representing spiritual leadership, and his concubine are introduced. We are disappointed to read of the violation of the Law by his relationship with his concubine (Leviticus 21:7) who played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehem- judah (Judges 19:2). But, after four months, the Levite decided that he wanted her back, so he went to her father's house. When the father of the damsel (young woman) saw him, he rejoiced to meet him (19:2-3).
Then the Levite decided to return home several days later, it was too late to complete their journey before nightfall, so they stopped in Gibeah (19:14). Every decision was in complete violation of the Word of God, confirming the fact that in those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1).
When we live outside of the boundaries of God's law, we should understand there will be judgment come upon our lives. However, we must understand that any correction from God comes from His love for us. Like any good Father, He wants to spare us from the heartache that sin can bring into our lives. If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11).
What a blessing to know that as Christians, God is not only our Creator; but our Heavenly Father who has appointed Jesus as our King whom governs over us. He is wise and just. We simply need to turn to His Word for our guidance through life. It will always lead us down the correct path.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim. 3:16).
Thought for Today:
Disobedience and worldly compromise is a silent witness of unconcern about what God has to say.
Word Studies:
18:21 carriage, baggage; 19:17 wayfaring, traveling; 19:19 provender, fodder; 19:22 sons of Belial, evildoers, sons of hell (Deuteronomy 13:13), and sodomites, as in this situation; may know him, may have homosexual relations with him.
Christ Revealed:
In those days there was no king in Israel (Judges 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matthew 6:12).
Optional Reading: John 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Revelation 5:2
