Imagine a classroom full of kindergarteners and first graders. They have just been loaded up with sugar and caffeine. The teacher tells them that they can do whatever they want to do. Then, she leaves the room. What happens? Chaos. Each child decides they want to do something different. At first, the chaos is peaceable. However, eventually the peace gives way to a battle of wills. The chaos continues until some of them start to cry, and then, leave the room to get the teacher to restore order. The last few chapters of Judges are like this.

The Bible says in Judges 17:6 that in these days of Israelite history, there was no judge or king in the land. Consequently, the people did what was “right in their own eyes.” Whatever was deemed right to the person was what was done.

Case in point, a mom received a gift of several pieces of silver. She took some of the silver and dedicated it to the Lord, Yahweh. Then, she has the silver made into an idol. This makes no sense. You want to honor the God of Israel, then you make an idol. However, it makes perfect sense if one is doing whatever they want to do and not obeying what God says to do.

Our love for God is shown by our obedience to God. When we do what we think, or feel, is right we love ourselves more than God. May we focus on loving God through our obedience to him. 

Brad Rushing, Southington, Ct.

Extended Scripture: Judges 17–19