The Fate of Benjamin… Judges 21

Introduction:

The Israelites mourn for Benjamin (Judges 21:1-7)

None of us. Why? For they are brutal and ungodly men. A line was crossed, God’s judgement came down, and therefore Benjamin was cut off from the tribes.

Why… has this come about? I see the hatred of Benjamin’s crime. Yet, I also see the concern for Benjamin’s people. Both bring about immense sorrow in their hearts unto God.

What shall we do? Oh is not the simple answer to follow God’s decree? To seek His favor and rejoice in His sovereign wisdom?

Instead of punishing the remnant according to Mosaic law, they begin to feel sorrow for Benjamin.

King Saul & Paul were both Benjaminites

The Israelites take action for Benjamin (Judges 21:8-15)

Jabesh-Gilead. A people who represent the people of current times who forsake god’s call unto repentance. Their fate is the fate of all who call upon their own name unto salvation.

400 young virgins. So it is true that God spares a remnant for His own, pure and undefiled by the blood of Christ to live happily in heaven with Him.

Proclaimed peace. What a beautiful sight. Restoration amongst God’s people to the sole glory of God alone. Did not Christ through the apostle Paul proclaim peace to the Gentiles who were afar off?

The Lord has made a breach. ??? The most literal meaning to me is that Israel was filled with sorrow over God’s righteous judgement.

No record of them asking God for a solution or for His approval

Doing one bad thing to make up for another

Women and children were guiltless

Massacred an entire city and yet still came up short

The Israelites form a solution for Benjamin (Judges 21:16-25)

What shall we do? Seek AGAIN the face of God!

There was no king… everyone did what was right in his own eyes. God’s revealed law had faded away in their hearts, along with morality altogether. This book is evidence of God’s desire for repentance in contrast to man’s desire for sin.

Solution: Create a situation in order to kidnap women for the Benjaminites to wed

Since none of the tribes could provide a wife, and since the Israelites sought to keep their vow, they devise a plan for the Benjaminites to seize wives for themselves at the next yearly festival.

Conclusion:

God will deliver those who call upon him. N

Additional notes: