Judges 19-21, Psalm 76
Judges 21:23-25 (NLT)
“So the men of Benjamin did as they were told. Each man caught one of the women as she danced in the celebration and carried her off to be his wife. They returned to their own land, and they rebuilt their towns and lived in them. Then the people of Israel departed by tribes and families, and they returned to their own homes. In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.”
In Judges 21:23–25, we read about the aftermath of Israel’s war with the tribe of Benjamin. This conflict took place during a time when Israel had no judge or king to guide them. After the war, the men of Israel made an oath at Mizpah that they would not give their daughters in marriage to the Benjamites. However, only about 600 men from the tribe of Benjamin remained, and they had no wives. The people realized that the tribe was in danger of extinction.
Instead of seeking the Lord’s guidance, the people created their own solutions. One solution involved destroying the city of Jabesh Gilead and taking its young women. Another involved instructing the Benjamites to hide in the vineyards of Shiloh and take wives from among the daughters of Shiloh. The account concludes with the sobering observation that in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes.
These verses remind me that when people turn away from the Lord and His ways, their decisions can lead to greater sin and destruction. The moral and spiritual decline of Israel nearly resulted in the loss of an entire tribe. This passage shows how dangerous it can be to rely solely on human reasoning when facing complex problems.
At the same time, it also reminds me that believers need the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every area of life. Even when situations are difficult, God’s wisdom leads to solutions that do not create further harm. Although the people acted on their own understanding, the Lord remained sovereign. Despite their flawed actions, He allowed the tribe of Benjamin to be preserved, showing His mercy even in the midst of human failure.
I have not faced a situation like this, but I have experienced what happens when I try to solve problems on my own without seeking the Lord. My solutions often led to more complications. But when I ask Father-God for guidance, the Holy Spirit leads me toward solutions that bring peace rather than additional problems.
If these verses resonate with you — if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose guidance leads to wisdom and peace — this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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