How does Judges 21:25 illustrate the consequences of moral relativism in society? Setting the Stage “ In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25) Observations from the Verse • “No king” – absence of recognized, God-ordained authority • “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” – personal preference elevated above God’s revealed standard • Placement at the close of Judges – a summary indictment of an entire era of spiritual drift The Spiral of Judges 1. Israel forgets the Lord (Judges 2:10-13). 2. God allows oppression (2:14-15). 3. People cry out; God raises a judge (2:16-18). 4. Temporary relief, then deeper sin (2:19). 5. Cycle repeats—each loop darker than the last, climaxing in civil war (chapters 19-21). Consequences of Moral Relativism in Judges • Breakdown of justice—Levitical concubine abused and murdered (19:22-30). • Tribal vengeance—Benjamin nearly exterminated (20:46-48). • Manipulated worship—Micah’s homemade shrine (17:5-6). • Casual violence—men of Jabesh-gilead slaughtered to supply wives (21:10-14). • Family disintegration—marriage treated as mere expedient (21:20-23). Biblical Echoes Underscoring the Danger • “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12) • “You shall not do as we are doing here today, everyone doing whatever is right in his own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 12:8) • “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” (Isaiah 5:20) Lessons for Today • Truth is objective because God’s Word is unchanging (Psalm 119:89). • When society rejects divine authority, chaos follows—whether ancient Israel or modern culture. • Individual sincerity cannot sanctify sin; only alignment with Scripture does (John 17:17). • A community’s moral fabric unravels when families, leaders, and institutions abandon the standard. Guardrails Against Relativism • Submit to Christ as King (Colossians 1:18). • Anchor convictions in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Teach and model absolute truth in the home (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Gather with a church that upholds biblical authority (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Pray for civic leaders to honor righteousness (1 Timothy 2:1-2). |
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