In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. Judges 21:25 (Chapters 17-21)
These last five chapters of the era of judges tell of lawlessness and total abandonment of God’s law. Even the Levites left the service of the tabernacle and entered into a low state of religion and morality. There are no heroes mentioned.
There has now been a total breakdown of leadership and guidance among God’s people. They became a law unto themselves, setting their own standard of permissiveness and attempting to exploit the blessing of God. God is not to be toyed with. He will not allow the good He has given to be used against others for self glorification.
When leadership broke down, man’s desire replaced the relevance of God’s initiatives. The Israelites assimilated themselves to the people of Canaan, something God warned against, and the tribal unity of Israel disintegrated. Again and again, Israel depended on God to comply to their behavior. God is totally free from man’s demands. He hears us when we humble ourselves and acknowledge that He alone is creator of all things and alone, He is worthy of worship and praise.
Have a beautiful day,
Gretchen