Judges 19-20 Lesson 11 "Everyone Did What Seemed Right To Them"

Lbs Judges Lesson 11

Chapters 19-20

When God does not rule in our hearts and lives, this is what things look like. These stories are horrible! Yet, our lives can look the same when we do what seems right in our own eyes. We can inflict harm on others and ourselves. At this time Israel has no king to rule over them. But those who call Him Lord today and allow Him to rule as King of our hearts  our lives can look very different.  

1. Summarize Chapters 19 & 20 in 2 or three sentences each. 

2. How is the concubine mistreated by the following men: 

     The Levite

     Her father

     The man who gives them shelter

     The Gibeonite men

3. What does the description given in Judges 19:27 reveal about the Levite?

4. We will talk about this more when we meet, but why do you think the Levite cuts up his concubine instead of giving her a "proper burial"? Is it an act of contempt, or does it serve another purpose? Remember there are no wrong answers. 

Now look at Judges 20

5. When the Levite retells his version of the story, what detail does he leave out? 20:4-6

6. When the people of Israel demand that the criminals be turned over to them, how does the tribe of Benjamin respond? ( 20:13-14)

7. Compare the words of 20:18 to the opening lines of Judges In 1:1-2. What tragic contrast do you find? 

8. What is the fate of the tribe of Benjamin ? 20:48

9. We will take about this further when we meet, but if you are familiar with the conquest of Canaan in the book of Joshua, how is the description in this verse particularly chilling? 20:48

10. When justice is administered, the punishment fits the crime. When vengeance is administered, the punishment exceeds the crime. Which do we see in Judges 20? Explain your answer. 

11. Apply: when you suffer an offense, do you long for justice or for vengeance? How can we guard against wanting to over-punish for an offense? What truths must we keep in view?