"And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day."
Historical Context:The book of Judges records the period of Israel’s history after they settled in the Promised Land, but before the establishment of the monarchy. It was a time characterised by cycles of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance, as the Israelites repeatedly turned away from God, faced oppression from neighbouring nations, cried out to God for help, and were raised up deliverers, known as judges.
Setting:Judges 20 describes a tragic event known as the “Battle of Gibeah.” It occurred during a time of great moral corruption among the Israelites. The chapter begins with the Levite’s concubine being abused and killed by a group of wicked men from the tribe of Benjamin. The Levite, seeking justice, sends a piece of his concubine’s body to all the tribes of Israel, which leads to the gathering of the tribes to address this heinous crime.
Verse Analysis:In Judges 20:22, we see the aftermath of the first day’s battle between the other tribes of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites had suffered a significant loss on the first day, but they did not give up. Instead, they encouraged themselves and prepared for battle again. They regrouped and repositioned themselves for the next day’s fight.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Perseverance in the face of adversity:The Israelites’ determination to continue the battle despite their initial defeat teaches us the importance of perseverance. They didn’t allow their setback to discourage them but instead found strength in their unity and trust in God. Similarly, as believers, we may face challenges and setbacks in our spiritual journey, but we must not lose heart. Instead, we should encourage ourselves in the Lord and press on, knowing that God is with us.
- The power of unity:The Israelites’ ability to come together as one nation, setting aside their tribal differences, shows us the strength of unity. In times of crisis, unity among God’s people is vital. The tribes of Israel joined forces to address the evil within their midst and to seek justice. Likewise, as Christians, we are called to be united in love and purpose, supporting and encouraging one another, especially when facing spiritual battles or societal challenges.
- Trusting in God’s deliverance:Throughout the book of Judges, God raises up judges as deliverers for His people. In this battle against Benjamin, the Israelites put their trust in the Lord to bring about victory. They recognised that their strength came from God. As believers, we should learn to rely on God’s power and guidance in every situation. We can find encouragement in knowing that God is our ultimate deliverer, and in Him, we can find the strength to face any challenge.
Application:
- Persevere in your faith:Even when facing difficulties or setbacks, choose to remain steadfast in your faith. Draw strength from God’s Word, seek support from fellow believers, and trust in God’s faithfulness to see you through.
- Foster unity among believers:Recognise the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Seek opportunities to build relationships with fellow believers, promote love and reconciliation, and work together for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
- Place your trust in God:Develop a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring deliverance in every situation. Rely on His strength rather than your own, and seek His guidance and wisdom through prayer and studying His Word.
Remember, studying the Bible is a lifelong process, and there are always deeper truths to uncover. Use this study as a starting point and continue to explore the richness of God’s Word.
