No King in Israel - May 7 Readings: Judges 19-20, Luke 22:31–46, Psalm 58:1–4, Proverbs 11:29–31

Links to May 7 Readings: Judges 19-20, Luke 22:31–46, Psalm 58:1–4, Proverbs 11:29–31

What an awful story.

Judges 19-20 recounts a story of murder, perversion, depravity, and brutality - all of which was the work of the people of God. These were not pagans, not Canaanites or Egyptians or Babylonians or Assyrians. These were God's chosen people, behaving like absolute cretans.

The root of all this is found in Judges 19:1 in a phrase that will be repeated often in the remaining chapters of Judges.

There was no king in Israel. 

Later the most telling words will be added to that statement.

Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 

This simple phrase describes this awful period of decline in Israel's history at the end of the time of the Judges. Israel did not have a leader; someone to show them the way and guide them in the things of Yahweh. So, everyone just followed his own conscience. Contrary to modern belief, that is a very bad thing.

Since we are sinful human beings whose hearts are drawn toward deception, it is never a good idea to follow your heart or simply do what you think it right. We need to both the truth of the Word of God and good leaders to guide us in the ways we should go.

Father, thank you for guiding and directing me. I admit that I cannot simply do what is right in my own eyes and serve you. Guide me, Lord.