What lessons on obedience can we learn from Israel's strategy in Judges 20:36? Setting the scene After two painful defeats, Israel finally listened to the LORD at Bethel (Judges 20:26-28). God promised victory “tomorrow,” and He gave them a specific battle plan: set an ambush, draw Benjamin out, then strike. Verse 36 shows the obedient execution of that plan. Key verse: Judges 20:36 “Then the Benjamites realized they had been defeated. Now the men of Israel had retreated before Benjamin because they relied on the ambush they had set near Gibeah.” Observation: how obedience unfolded • Israel first sought God in repentance and fasting. • They waited for His timing—“tomorrow.” • They adopted God’s strategy, not their own. • They were willing to look weak (retreat) so God’s plan could succeed. • The ambush only worked because every tribe stayed in position until the signal. Lessons on obedience • Seek God until He speaks. Past failures do not disqualify future guidance. • Take His word literally. If He says “tomorrow,” don’t rush today or delay to the next. • Obedience may look counter-intuitive. A strategic retreat can be an act of faith, not fear. • God-given plans require united, coordinated action; partial obedience would have doomed the ambush. • Victory belongs to the LORD, but He expects disciplined follow-through from His people. Living it out today 1. Begin decisions with worship and repentance, not with brainstorming. 2. Wait for clear direction in Scripture and prayer, then move promptly. 3. Don’t measure obedience by appearances; measure it by alignment with God’s revealed will. 4. Work in harmony with fellow believers; God often ties your obedience to theirs. 5. Celebrate God’s faithfulness when the outcome vindicates His word. Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • Joshua 6:2-3 — “The LORD said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hand… March around the city, all the men of war…’” (another battle won by obeying an unusual plan). • 2 Chronicles 20:17 — “You need not fight this battle… stand firm and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf.” • Luke 5:5 — “But because You say so, I will let down the nets.” |
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