The tribe of Benjamin is decimated. Israel has to pick up the pieces. They come up with a novel ‘wife search’ plan.
Judges 21: Wives Provided for the Tribe of Benjamin
1 Now the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah, "No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin."
2 And the people came to Bethel and sat there till evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly.
3 And they said, "O LORD, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?"
4 And the next day the people rose early and built there an altar and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.
5 And the people of Israel said, "Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to the LORD?" For they had taken a great oath concerning him who did not come up to the LORD to Mizpah, saying, "He shall surely be put to death."
6 And the people of Israel had compassion for Benjamin their brother and said, "One tribe is cut off from Israel this day.
7 What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since we have sworn by the LORD that we will not give them any of our daughters for wives?"
8 And they said, "What one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to the LORD to Mizpah?" And behold, no one had come to the camp from Jabesh-gilead, to the assembly.
9 For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead was there.
10 So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there and commanded them, "Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword; also the women and the little ones.
11 This is what you shall do: every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall devote to destruction."
12 And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.
13 Then the whole congregation sent word to the people of Benjamin who were at the rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them.
14 And Benjamin returned at that time. And they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead, but they were not enough for them.
15 And the people had compassion on Benjamin because the LORD had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.
16 Then the elders of the congregation said, "What shall we do for wives for those who are left, since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin?"
17 And they said, "There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel.
18 Yet we cannot give them wives from our daughters." For the people of Israel had sworn, "Cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin."
19 So they said, "Behold, there is the yearly feast of the LORD at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah."
20 And they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, "Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards
21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.
22 And when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, we will say to them, 'Grant them graciously to us, because we did not take for each man of them his wife in battle, neither did you give them to them, else you would now be guilty.'"
23 And the people of Benjamin did so and took their wives, according to their number, from the dancers whom they carried off. Then they went and returned to their inheritance and rebuilt the towns and lived in them.
24 And the people of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance.
25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Things to think about…
1. Jabesh Gilead was within the borders of Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan. They did not go into battle against the tribe of Benjamin, Jdgs 21:9. They were probably against Israel at that time. You remember Jephthah and Ephraim fought and the Gileadites won decisively. But this tribe would also suffer for the sin of Israel and Benjamin. It could be said they suffered the most having lost everyone except the virgins of the city. Consider how your words or actions may affect others who are not directly involved in your life.
2. ‘Snatch each man his wife’, Jdgs 21:21. I wonder if the girls were still dancing after they were ‘snatched’? No doubt some more than others. The Lord was worshiped at Shiloh and He is worthy of dancing to in worship, Jdgs 21:19. To those who are married…are you still dancing because the Lord is in your marriage? I hope so. Dance together with Christ in the middle.
3. The close of the book of Judges epitomises the whole spirit of book of Judges that ‘they did what was right in their own eyes’. The scene is being set for the hopeful introduction of a king who would bring in peace and moral order, Jdgs 21:25. Alas the period of the Kings did not deal with sin in the heart and this period was also marked with strife and conflict. We see Australia losing its moral compass and doing what it likes. May we live to see and do what pleases the Lord.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Life groups Wednesdays. Continuing through the Sermon on the Mount. Wednesday night 6:30pm.
Young adult Life group - a meat lovers lunch this Sunday week after church!
Prayer Points
1. Graham Willey and family. Graham’s mum passed last night. Her earthly race is run 😊. Pray for peace and comfort as they plan funeral details.
2. 30th June Special meeting re financial position and direction of the church.
3. Keep praying for Anna and the Playgroup, pray for more families to be reached.
4. The ongoing conflict in Israel and Ukraine.
5. Church finances to cover all expenses. Budget presently not being met.
6. Pray for Kids@Church, Life groups. Young Adults.
7. Mathys has a prayer time at church on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, 5:30pm at church. He would be happy for you to join him and to send prayer requests.
8. Pray about the possibility and planning of a Farmers Market at Chuwar Baptist Church on Saturdays. Anastasia taking the lead on this. Pray for us as we plan
9. That we be bold in our witnessing for Christ. Pray for a heart to see those around you to be saved. Pray for the blessing over the new pastoral care and hosting program.
10. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to increase.
Praise Points
1. Praise God for Dr Rose Blackwood and her insight on the topic of abortion in Australia.
2. New people at our service on Sunday.
3. Praise God for young people stepping up in the worship ministry.
4. Playgroup is a great encouragement for our church.
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Special Members (all congregation) meeting 30th June after the service. Lunch afterwards
2. Working bee Saturday morning 13th July. Please contact Che for a list jobs and requirements.
3. Monday and Wednesday evening prayer at church 5:30-6:30pm
4. Life Group Wednesday 6:30pm at church.
5. Kids@Church on break over the school holidays.
6. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
7. Tune in again this week on our YouTube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for June...
Q. 21. In what condition did God make Adam and Eve? A. He made them holy and happy.
Bible References – Gen.1:26-28; Ps.8:4-8.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” Jer 33:3
