The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a Yearنموونە

Week 11. Day 5. Judges 17-21.

These chapters show the depths of Israel’s sin and faithlessness, and are some of the darkest chapters in all of Scripture.

Ch 17-18 Religious corruption

17:1-6 corruption of a household

17:7-13 corruption of a Levite

18:1-31 corruption of a tribe

Ch 19-21Corruption in society

Note the refrain ‘In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did was what right in his own eyes.’ (17:6; 21:29; cf 18:1; 19:1)

Reflection: Judges is a dark book. In the immediate context of the narrative, it shows why God simply bringing his people into the promised land is not enough. A good and godly leader is needed.

There is a definite progression in the book of judges. Early on, the need is for a leader who will defeat external enemies. But by the end, it is clear that the greatest need is a king who will restrain the people’s hearts, and lead the people in righteousness.

This second aspect of the role of the king less well known, but the book of Judges shows it is vital. Life without a king, life without ‘God telling me what to do’ is not freedom, but misery! Sadly, as so often today, in a society where people are free to do what they want without consequence, it is women and the most vulnerable who suffer the most (Judges 19:22-30)

Without a good king ruling God’s way, oppression and injustice have free reign, and the weak suffer. But against this dark backdrop shines the hope of what might one day be. There is giant ‘Jesus-shaped hole’ in Judges! Judges shows the need for a king who champions justice, and ends oppression. A king who always treats women with dignity and respect. A king who does not allow the weak to suffer, but who himself suffers so the weak might be lifted to the heights of his throne.

Jesus is the leader we need. He is the ruler that the weak can trust. Praise him!

NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.