What lessons on obedience can we learn from the Israelites' actions in Judges 21:11? Verse in Focus “ And this is what you are to do: You must completely destroy every male, as well as every woman who has had relations with a man.” (Judges 21:11) Historical Setting • The tribes had sworn not to give their daughters to Benjamin (Judges 21:1). • When remorse followed the near-extermination of Benjamin, they looked for a loophole and fixed on Jabesh-gilead—a city that had failed to join the national assembly (Judges 21:8–10). • Their answer: carry out a herem-style destruction there, sparing only virgin girls for Benjamin. Observations on Israel’s Obedience • Zealous yet misplaced—driven more by a self-imposed oath than by a fresh word from God. • Total—“completely destroy” shows willingness to go all the way once they settled on a course. • Reactive—obedience kicked in after previous disobedience (Benjamin’s sin, civil war, rash vow). • Selective compassion—mercy for Benjamin, severity for Jabesh-gilead; partiality distorted justice. Lessons for Today • Guard your vows—better to weigh words carefully than scramble later (Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). • Seek God first, not after—early obedience prevents desperate measures (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Full obedience must align with God’s heart—zeal without discernment breeds cruelty (Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8). • Obedience is more than rule-keeping—He desires humility, love, and wisdom (1 Samuel 15:22; Matthew 23:23). • Consequences linger—one rash decision can set in motion harsh ripple effects (Galatians 6:7-8). Supporting Scriptures • Numbers 30:2—“When a man makes a vow to the LORD…he shall not break his word.” • Deuteronomy 7:2—command to devote idol-filled cities to destruction, showing Israel borrowed a principle but misapplied it. • Proverbs 19:21—“Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” • James 1:20—“Man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.” Takeaway Truths • Obedience must begin with God’s revealed will, not human impulses. • Rash commitments create moral dilemmas; prayerful patience averts them. • True obedience is both exact and compassionate, reflecting God’s justice and mercy together. |
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