Welcome to the middle of the week and the end of Judges. The tribe of Benjamin is decimated. Israel has to pick up the pieces. They come up with a novel ‘wife search’ plan. Be blessed as you read, pray and ponder!
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, Judgs 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 and do what pleases the Lord.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon and reading topic for this week – Sermon “You’re not saying it right”
Reading – Judges 12:1-7
1. The Judges were often outcasts. Jephthah was no different. He was the son of a prostitute and cast out by his brothers to live miles away in a town called Tob. But this period made Jephthah into a warrior and he was called upon to lead the Gileadites. What hardships or differences from the ‘norm’ have you experienced that have made you stronger and more resilient?
2. Jephthah led the Gileadites and fought the Ammonites and won. Another tribe in Israel, Ephraim got jealous and fought against Jephthah and the Gileadites. Do you recall the circumstances surrounding the word “Shibboleth” and how it was their undoing?
3. Discuss what you know about the history of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11, what it was and how Pentecost and the pouring out of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 reverses the language barrier curse.
4. We are known by our words and attitudes as to what motivates us and what captivates our hearts. Discuss how the Holy Spirit speaks to you and how we can more accurately discern God’s voice.
5. Discuss some prayer points of the group. Church prayer points.
Prayer Points
1. Recharge youth and Kids@Church ministries. Pray for Maddison and Melinda as they Coordinate Kids and Youth ministries.
2. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
3. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
4. Sunday’s message from Ruth 4 - “Ruth’s Redeemer and ours” – Pastor Jay.
Praise Points.
1. More visitors to church on Sunday.
2. Two cell groups starting up this term.
3. Praise and worship – pray for continued growth and blessing.
4. Unity, peace and grace at CBC.
Announcements
1. Members meeting 23rd May after the morning service.
2. Recharge on this week all high schoolers – 6:30pm-8:30pm Friday at church. $2 coin donation. Melinda Fourie heading up this ministry.
3. Kids Church for all primary schoolers. Maddison Willey is the ministry contact. Parents please check your rosters. Remember to sign your kids in and out.
4. Combined Church worship and prayer meeting at Beacon Baptist, 30th May 5pm.
5. Working bee – Saturday 5th June, 8:00am start at the church.
6. Outdoor service in the morning 6th June followed by lunch, Potjie on “the common”
7. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
