Judges 20:36-21:25
As we wrap up Judges today, we continue to see the fallout from the story of the Levite and his concubine that started back in Judges 19. Now I'd like to tell you that things turn around and end well, but the Israelites don't seem to recognize or learn from their past errors.
All of us get out of step with God and His plan from time to time. So what can we do to help us recognize (as soon as possible) when this happens? And then, what are some things we might do to correct the problem? Tami W.
P.S. Did you have any special take away(s) from Judges?
It seems to me that God gave the tribe of Benjamin opportunity to make things right again and again - before they were defeated. Judah was the oldest of the sons of Isreal, was he not? It was that tribe that was given the order to go first against the tribe of Benjamin. Apparently Benjamin did not listen to his elders!
Applying it to myself, God gives me / us wonderful people in our lives to help guide us back on the right path. If we don't attend to the opportunities God gives us to repent, He will eventually have to defeat us to get our attention back. That could be too late, in some cases.
I pray that my heart will never be that hard towards God.
God did not obliterate the tribe of Benjamin. He did give them another opportunity - after being severely punished - to get back on track. The brother tribes were deeply sorry that they had to do what they did, but they also wanted reconciliation. They asked God how to repopulate the tribe of Benjamin (by giving them wives) without breaking solemn vows made before God. God gave them 2 ways. By the same token, God will also show us how to be reconciled to Him and others. Repent is the first thing we need to do. Then we need to take action - and do what God wanted us to do in the first place! Seek God first!
The sad part about this is that God is no where in sight. The act of destroying Benjamin was not a God thing and the way to recover from the blunder was not something that God directed either. Think of the chaos and the suffering caused by Israel's mistake and their "remedy" for the mistake. One lesson from Judges is that left to our own devices we will make a huge mess of things. However, if we have a heart for God and turn to Him, He will always come through with a redemptive plan. It may not be what we want and it may be a bit painful but it will always be what's best.
From today's reading I noticed how sad it is that all of the strategies, deception, and malice led to chaos. The plans and ways of the Lord need not be complicated but when one doesn't seek Him and devises their own plans to 'make it work' they will ultimately fail. My take away is: In all things [great or small] seek the Lord and He will guide you...
For the longest time, I thought my "bad" mariage was caused because I did not heed the warning signs prior to getting married. He didn't open the doors for me, he was rude sometimes, he had a short temper etc. but I was guilty of similar things. I did love him but the marriage ended. What I am getting at with regard to today's reading is that I not only failed to pay attention to God's warnings prior to my marriage but I failed to pay attention to God's warnings during the marriage. Now I feel the marriage could have been saved if only my husband and I had listened to God's instructions. We chose to take matters into our own hands and the result was divorce. However, in His goodness and mercy, He blessed us with a beautiful precious little girl, who has since grown into a very special wife, mother and friend. She and her dear husband have given us two of the most adorable children. I pray for all of them daily to listen to God's instructions should problems develop in their marriage. It seems all is well for the time being, but they do not have time for God as they should. God continues to bless them and I hope and pray He will lead them all to Him...and help them realize that God must be their priority. Thank you for this excellent Study fo God's precious word.
Try maintaining a daily communication with the Lord through prayer in the morning, once or more during the day and last thing at night. This is not a sure fire guarantee, it works depending on how well our heart and we are with the Lord.
Two or more good christian friends (coaches or advisors)may be helpful too.
The last verse reads as follows: "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
I have done a few things before that looked goood in my eyes. however, most of them I should have prayed longer, and I think seeking advice from older christian friends would have helped, as well.
When you make a mistake, count it as one more good thing learned in life. Don't sit around knocking yourself down about it, forget the past and press on . . . the apostle Paul said that!!
Someday you may help another person just by passing on your experiences. Stay in touch with God.
God's plan for Israel as He promised Jacob (Israel) that his twelve sons will constitute the twelve tribes of Israel so no way could the tribe of Benjamin be wiped out. Man cannot thwart God's promises.
I think most of us when we do wrong know that we do wrong and the first thing we should do is to ask God's forgiveness and ask Him for guiadance and let Him lead. If we do not allow Him to lead then we will certainly go astray. We then have to do whatever He plans for us and strictly obey Him. We should have no fear for He will provide for us and where we lack courage He will stregthen us.
What I have learnt from the Book of Judges is that I should never try to do things my way, it has to be God's way. I must realise that when I am successful at anything it is not through me but through God who fortifies me and that none of the glory belongs to me. It tells me that if I walk in God's Word and obey and have faith in Him I can have life everlasting. It also teaches me that yes, I may trip but He will be there to take me up to continue and He bears no grudge nor will He remind of any wrongs I have done, because He wipes them clean from my slate. Isn't He just awesome! There is none like Him ever.
We are so wicked. We always did what was right in our own eyes, but when things go wrong. We blamed God. Very convenient. If God dealt with us like how he dealt with the Israelites of old. We'll be all dead.
Take away - good reminders of God's faithful love us even when we mess up. Also, how much He desires the best for us.
I took away that he does warn us and sometimes more then once so we do have a way out if we listen. I can look back and see times when I didn't listen and know it is much better if I listen. Keep in His word, fellowship with my church and love one and other as we are commanded to do. That is what keeps us all going and yes He is totally awesome!