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 is victimized
Israel continued to ignore God's Word. Consequently, we read: In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1). This means doing whatever seemed most gratifying to the individual.
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 his violation of the Law by his relationship with his concubine (see Leviticus 21:7) who played the whore against him, and went away from him to her father's house to Bethlehem-judah (Judges 19:2). After four months, the Levite decided that he wanted her back, so he went to her father's house. When the father of the damsel (young woman) saw him, he rejoiced to meet him (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 (see 19:14). An old man offered them hospitality in his house and they accepted. The men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spoke to the master of the house . . . saying, Bring forth the man that came into your house, that we may know him. The old man said: Do not this folly. Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine to rape (19:22-24). The Levite then handed over his concubine (see 20:25). Homosexuality, rape, and murder were all punishable by death under the Law. Every decision made that night was in violation of the Word of God and confirmed the fact that every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1).
The vileness of homosexuality is confirmed in the New Testament where we read: For this cause God gave them up to vile affections (degrading passions): for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence (penalty) of their error which was meet (fitting) (Romans 1:26-27).
Word Studies:
18:21 carriage = baggage; 19:17 wayfaring = traveling; 19:19 provender = fodder; 19:22 sons of Belial = evildoers, sons of hell (Deuteronomy 13:13), and sodomites, as in this situation; may know him = may have homosexual relations with him.
Christ Revealed:
In those days there was no king in Israel (Judges 18:1). Christ was the rejected true King of Israel Pilate says to them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BPM Staff: Barbara Bivens · Country: Serbia and Montenegro (11 million) on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe · Major language: Serbo-Croatian · Religious conflict · 41% Serbian/Montenegrin/Macedonian Orthodox; 33% Catholic; 11% Muslim; 1% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself and reverence the Word of God; He will look upon you with affection (Isaiah 66:2).
Optional Reading: John 20
Memory Verse for the Week: Colossians 2:11