Bible Pathways 03/29/2003
March 29
Read Judges 18 -- 19
In Today 's Reading:
Danites force Micah's Levite to be their priest, attack Laish, then occupy it; a concubine victimized
Israel continued to ignore God's word. Consequently, we read: In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1). This means doing whatever seemed most gratifying.
To illustrate the deplorable moral condition that existed at that time, a Levite, representing spiritual leadership, and his concubine are introduced We are disappointed to read of the violation of the law by his relationship with his concubine (see Leviticus 21:7) who was unfaithful to him and went away from him to her father's house in Bethlehem (19:2). But, after four months, the Levite decided that he wanted her back, so he went to her father's house. When the girl's father saw him, he gladly welcomed him (Judges 19:2-3).
When the Levite decided to return home several days later, it was too late to complete their journey before nightfall, so they stopped in Gibeah (19:14). An old man offered them hospitality in his house, which they accepted. While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the men of the city?perverted men?surrounded the house beating on the door. They said to . . . the old man, Bring out the man who came to your house so that we may have sex with him (19:22). After much pleading, the old man offered his own virgin daughter as well as the Levite's concubine to the demanding men. Although to do so was a very sinful act, homosexuality was far more wicked by comparison. So the old man said: Don't do this foolish thing. Look, here's my virgin daughter and his concubine (19:23-24). The vileness of this sin is confirmed in the New Testament where we read: This is why God delivered them over to degrading passions. For even their females exchanged natural sexual intercourse for what is unnatural. The males in the same way also left natural sexual intercourse with females and were inflamed in their lust for one another. Males committed shameless acts with males and received in their own persons the appropriate penalty for their perversion (Romans 1:26-27).
Christ Portrayed:
In those days, there was no king in Israel (Judges 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate said to them, Should I crucify your king? We have no king but Caesar! the chief priests answered (John 19:15).
Prayer Needs:
Country: Trinidad and Tobago (1 million) two islands seven miles off the coast of Venezuela · Major languages: English and Hindi · Religious freedom · 34% Protestant; 29% Roman Catholic; 25% Hindu; 7% Muslim · Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Psalms 143:8).
Optional Reading: John 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:16
