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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Wednesday, 9 July 2025:
Judges 20:1-2 — Then all the people of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled as one man to the Lord at Mizpah.
Following the horror of Judges 19, the entire nation of Israel unites in outrage over the atrocity committed by the men of Gibeah. It is one of the few times in Judges that the tribes act together “as one man.” However, while their unity is commendable, it arises not from reverent obedience to God, but from moral outrage. There is a difference between being stirred by the evil of others and being led by the Spirit in righteousness. Outrage is not the same as obedience. Israel acts without first seeking the Lord’s will.
- James 1:20 — For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Judges 20:5 — They meant to kill me, and they violated my concubine, and she is dead.
The Levite didn’t mention that he actually gave the concubine to the mob to save his own skin. This is like a child saying, “The lamp broke,” rather than, “I broke the lamp.” Adam demonstrated the same lack of acceptance of responsibility — “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree….” (Genesis 3:12) The first step to growth is humility and a willingness to be honest with yourself, God, and others about your sin.
Judges 20:8-11 — And all the people arose as one man, saying, “None of us will go to his tent, and none of us will return to his house. But now this is what we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by lot.”
Israel vows to punish Gibeah for their crime, but they make war on an entire tribe (Benjamin) without first asking God how to respond. Their zeal outpaces their spiritual discernment. The result is tragic and nearly catastrophic.
- Romans 10:2 — For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Judges 20:12-14 — And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What evil is this that has taken place among you? Now therefore give up the men, the worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and purge evil from Israel.” But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel.
The Benjaminites violently defended their sexually perverse and lawless lifestyle. Perhaps, they defended the perverse under the notion that people should have the right to live life however they want to live it. When the laws of man override the Laws of God, society is doomed to destruction. Today, our Nation has established and celebrates laws that directly defy God’s laws. Watch and see what happens next. Loyalty to sin or to those in sin over loyalty to God always leads to destruction.
- Proverbs 17:15 — “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
Judges 20:16 — Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.
Many talented people are terrible sinners, and many will seek to validate sin by pointing to how talented the sinner is. For example, many people who openly practice sexual sins today, such as promiscuity, adultery, homosexuality, pornography, etc, are very talented and very personable; so, people will point to their talents to legitimize their sinful lifestyle. Regardless of shifting public opinion, sexual sins remain an abomination before God which will be judged.
Judges 20:18-23 — The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, “Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up first.”
Israel seeks the Lord—but only after forming their plan. They ask “who” should go up, not “should we” go up. God responds by allowing them to proceed, but they suffer defeat. It is a sobering reminder that asking God for direction without true surrender is not obedience.
- Psalm 127:1 — Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.
- Jeremiah 29:13 — You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Judges 20:26-28 — Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
After two devastating defeats, the Israelites finally come to God with weeping, fasting, and offerings. Now, their hearts are truly humbled, and God grants them success. The sequence is telling: repentance precedes victory. Not all battles are won by strength or numbers, but by humility and righteousness.
- 2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Judges 20:35, 48 — And the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel, and the people of Israel destroyed 25,100 men of Benjamin that day. … And the men of Israel turned back against the people of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword, the city, men and beasts and all that they found.
Though the Israelites were initially defeated, God ultimately gives them victory. But the cost is horrific—the near extermination of the tribe of Benjamin. Even in righteous anger, the people overreach, and the judgment becomes excessive. It shows that even when we are in the right, we must be careful not to go too far.
- Galatians 6:1 — Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.
- Romans 12:19 — Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 9 July 2025: Today’s reading reminds us that moral outrage, even when justified, must be submitted to God in prayer, humility, and obedience. Zeal without humility and repentance can be reckless. Are there areas in your life where you’ve acted from indignation but not from surrender? Are you more eager to punish wrongs than to purify your own heart? Submit your strong opinions to the Lord. Seek His heart before making your next move. Don’t let the urgency of justice replace the necessity of humility. Let your righteousness flow from God’s Word, not your own reaction.
Pray: “Lord, teach me to walk humbly before You. Let my convictions be shaped by Your Word, not by my emotions. When I see evil, let me respond not with vengeance but with prayerful obedience. Purify my heart, that I might be a vessel of truth, love, and justice in Your name. Amen.”
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 