Judges 20-21

(June 14, 2014)
I have to say, I am not sad to see the end of Judges on this time through the Bible.  It is one of the most difficult books to read, and while I have heard of people calling the writings of Moses and the stories of the Exodus ‘terror-texts’ (a claim I disagree with), I think that term is rightly applicable to Judges.  It is all summed up in the last verse – when every man does that which is right in his own eyes, destruction and devastation is inevitable.

That being said, there are some other things to take away from these chapters.  The first is in the Israelites, and how they approached the attack on the Benjaminites.  The immediately committed, resolving not to return or delay until they had accomplished their task.  I think that resolve is something that is missing in our modern society – we can get away with countless options and so many diversions that we often don’t say of anything that we will get it done no matter what.  This is something that we have lost, and not to our benefit.

Secondly, there is a profound lesson to be drawn from the decision of the tribe of Benjamin to side with the sons of Belial rather than siding with Israel.  The wicked were part of their tribe, and they placed the tribe about principle.  Likewise, we each are members of various tribes (including, for instance, political parties, social groups, sports fanbases, neighborhoods, and so forth).  There is always a temptation to excuse the misdeeds of those within the group, because there is the fear that exposing or condemning them will strengthen the ‘other.’  But as covenant children of God, we must remember that (1) there is no ‘other;’ and (2) we must always hold to principle rather than tribe.

Finally, I note that the Lord sent Israel in multiple times to their destruction.  Sometimes it is difficult for our mortal minds to comprehend that the things which the Lord sets us out to accomplish might not succeed in the way we think that they should (or that they might result in our destruction).  It is hard doctrine, to be sure, but ultimately our purpose is to push forward the Lord’s work – even if that is to be the first wave in D-Day or the first group slaughtered by Benjamin.  Mortal life is so very short, and while the Lord’s Plan is robust, our participation in it is very fragile and can easily pass us by.  We should be grateful for any part within it.