Judges 19:1-9 – The Moral Decline of Israel
Last week we read the story of the Levite Jonathan, who moved from Bethlehem to the hill country of Ephraim, where, against God’s law, Micah made him a priest. Worse still, while claiming to speak for the LORD, Jonathan served idols, first for Micah and then for the Danites who conquered Laish.
Today we consider the account of another Levite. The state of religious decline in Israel is evident not only in that Jonathan, a non-priest, was made a priest and that he served idols, but also in that a Levite, who should have been supported by the tithes of the people apparently needed to leave his home in order to make a living. Now we find another Levite who has left his home and is sojourning in Ephraim.
We also see, once again, the weak state of marriage in Israel. Rather than setting the example of obeying God’s creation principles for marriage, this Levite, who should be well-educated in the Scriptures, has taken a concubine, a secondary wife who is more a slave than a bride. This concubine is unfaithful to her husband. That God’s law for ancient Israel required the death penalty for adultery (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22) shows how seriously He takes the marriage covenant. That obedience to this statute seems not to have occurred to anyone in this account shows how little the Israelites regarded God’s Law in this era.
As in the time of the judges, we can see rejection of God’s Kingship evident in the culture around us. The Church is not supported, marriage as the LORD created it is not honored, and His Word is disregarded. However, as He did not leave Israel without a king, He will not leave us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God who is the rightful King of the nations (Psalm 2) has been given as the Head of all things to the Church (Ephesians 1:22). One day every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
Questions
- What are some evidences of the moral and religious decline in Israel?
- Who is the rightful King of the nations?
Prayer Points
- Pray that the Kingship of Jesus Christ be acknowledged by all.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.