“And said, O LORD God of Israel, why is this come to pass in Israel, that there should be today one tribe lacking in Israel?”
Context:The book of Judges is set during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, after the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua. The Israelites had entered a cycle of apostasy, oppression by foreign nations, crying out to God for help, and raising up judges as deliverers. The verse in question occurs towards the end of the book, after a devastating civil war between the Israelite tribes.
The Distress of Israel:The verse begins with a plea to the Lord God of Israel. The people are distressed by the events that have taken place. They acknowledge that there is one tribe lacking in Israel, referring to the tribe of Benjamin, which had been almost completely wiped out due to their involvement in a grievous sin.
Seeking Understanding:The people ask God why this situation has come to pass in Israel. They are perplexed and seeking answers. They desire to comprehend the reason behind the tragic events and the implications it holds for the future of their nation.
Lessons and Applications:
The Consequences of Sin:The events leading up to the civil war and the decimation of the tribe of Benjamin were a result of widespread sin and moral corruption. The people of Israel were not following the ways of the Lord, leading to a breakdown of society and justice. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences that can follow when His people turn away from Him.
Seeking God’s Guidance:When faced with difficult situations, it is important to turn to the Lord in prayer and seek His guidance and understanding. The people of Israel direct their questions and concerns to God, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of wisdom and insight. In our own lives, we should follow this example, seeking God’s perspective and guidance in times of confusion or distress.
God’s Sovereignty and Providence:Although the people are questioning the situation, they address their concerns to the Lord. This indicates their recognition of God’s sovereignty over Israel. Ultimately, God is in control, even in times of turmoil. We can take comfort in knowing that God works out His plans and purposes, even when we struggle to understand the events unfolding around us.
Lessons for Today:While Judges 21:3 specifically addresses the circumstances of ancient Israel, we can draw broader lessons from it. It reminds us of the consequences of sin, the importance of seeking God’s guidance, and the assurance that God is sovereign. We should strive to live in obedience to God’s commands and seek His wisdom in all aspects of our lives.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult additional commentaries and resources to gain a deeper understanding of the passage and its significance within the broader context of the book of Judges.
