Through the Bible: JudgesSample

Of War and Men

The Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down 25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords. Then the Benjamites saw that they were beaten. 

Judges 20:35-36 (NIV)

Have you found it hard to make sense of the war and bloodshed in Judges 20-21? You are not alone. 

But on further examination, I learnt many lessons: 

(i) The Benjamites refused to punish the wrongdoers. Had they delivered the criminals to justice, fighting against their own brethren and much loss of life could have been avoided. 

Lord, give us the humility to recognise and act against wrongdoing, even when it is close to home.

(ii) Notice the contrast between the moral outrage against the Benjamites and the Israelites ignoring all the years of idolatry they practiced. 

Lord, help us to repent from the idolatry in our own lives, rather than thrash others for their mistakes.

iii) Notice it was the Lord who defeated Benjamin, not the Israelite troops. If God is for it who can be against it? Victory belongs to the Lord, and not to man. 

Lord, help us to realise that the battle is Yours, and we are just the soldiers in Your army.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to stamp out sin and idolatry in our own lives before it grows and invades us.  Help us to have clean hands and a pure heart. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.