In Today's Scripture Reading:
Danites force Micah's Levite to be their priest, attack Laish, then occupy it; a concubine is victimized
Israel continued to ignore God's Word. Consequently, we read: In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1). This means doing whatever seemed most gratifying.
To illustrate the deplorable moral condition that existed at that time, a Levite, representing spiritual leadership, and his concubine are introduced. We are disappointed to read of the violation of the Law by his relationship with his concubine (Leviticus 21:7) who played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehem-judah (Judges 19:2). But, after four months, the Levite decided that he wanted her back, so he went to her father's house. When the father of the damsel (young woman) saw him, he rejoiced to meet him (19:2-3).
When the Levite decided to return home several days later, it was too late to complete their journey before nightfall, so they stopped in Gibeah (19:14). An old man offered them hospitality in his house, which they accepted. The men of the city, certain sons of Belial (evil doers), beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house . . . saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him. The old man said: Do not this folly. Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine to rape (19:22-24). Every decision was in complete violation of the Word of God, confirming the fact that in those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25; compare 18:1; 19:1).
The vileness of homosexuality is confirmed in the New Testament where we read: For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections (degrading passions): for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence (penalty) of their error which was meet (fitting) (Romans 1:26-27).
Word Studies:
18:21 carriage =b> baggage; 19:17 wayfaring =b> traveling; 19:19 provender =b> fodder; 19:22 sons of Belial =b> evildoers, sons of hell (Deuteronomy 13:13), and sodomites, as in this situation; may know him =b> may have homosexual relations with him.
Christ Revealed:
In those days there was no king in Israel (Judges 18:1). Christ was the rejected King of Israel. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar (John 19:15).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of the Lord Jesus Christ Staff: Barbara Bivens Country: Lithuania (4 million) eastern coast of Baltic Sea in northeastern Europe Major languages: Lithuanian and Russian Limited religious freedom 80% Roman Catholic; 5% Russian Orthodox; 1% Protestant Prayer Suggestion: Forgive others without exception, and then ask the Lord to forgive you (Matthew 6:12).
Optional Reading: John 20
Memory Verse for the Week: II Peter 1:6
