“And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,)”
Context:The book of Judges describes a period in Israel’s history after they had entered the Promised Land. It was a time characterised by cycles of disobedience, oppression by enemies, and God raising up judges to deliver the people. Judges 20 is a chapter that recounts a severe civil war-like conflict that arose between the tribes of Israel.
Explanation:In Judges 20, the chapter begins with an account of a terrible incident involving a Levite and his concubine. This led to a call for justice and retribution from the other tribes of Israel. The Levite cut the woman’s body into twelve pieces and sent them to the tribes, leading to a gathering of the people to address this evil. Verse 27 is a significant moment in this story. The children of Israel, representing the tribes, came together to seek the counsel of the Lord. The verse specifically mentions that the ark of the covenant was present during this time. The ark of the covenant was a sacred chest that housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolising the presence of God among His people. The people recognised the need for divine guidance in dealing with the grievous incident that had occurred. They sought the Lord’s counsel through the presence of the ark, acknowledging that they needed His wisdom, direction, and intervention in their situation.
Lessons and Applications:
Seeking God’s guidance:“The example set by the children of Israel teaches us the importance of seeking God’s counsel in difficult times.” When faced with challenging situations, seeking the Lord’s guidance through prayer and studying His Word is crucial. God promises to guide and direct those who seek Him with a sincere heart (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Honouring the presence of God:The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God among His people. It was a reminder of His faithfulness, power, and holiness. In our lives, we should honour and respect the presence of God, recognising that He is with us always (Matthew 28:20). This should lead us to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
Unity among God’s people:The tribes of Israel came together as one, recognising their need for divine intervention. This unity was important for seeking God’s guidance and addressing the injustice that had taken place. Similarly, as believers, we should strive for unity among fellow believers, working together for the advancement of God’s kingdom (Ephesians 4:3).
The importance of justice:The incident that led to this gathering was a grave injustice, and the tribes recognised the need for justice and retribution. God is a God of justice, and He expects His people to pursue justice and righteousness (Micah 6:8). This passage reminds us of the importance of standing against evil and seeking justice in our society.
In summary, Judges 20:27 teaches us the significance of seeking God’s guidance, honouring His presence, promoting unity, and pursuing justice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of turning to the Lord in times of difficulty and following His wisdom and guidance in our lives.
