Judges 20:35
(Read chapters 18,19,20 for background)
35 The LORD
defeated Benjamin before Israel, and on that day the Israelites struck down
25,100 Benjamites, all armed with swords.
Observation:
Some men
from the Tribe of Benjamin sexually sinned. Initially the perpetrators wanted
to have sex with a Levite male. When the homeowner would not allow it, he gave
the men his concubine. They proceeded to rape her all night long and in the
morning, she collapsed at the door of her masters home. When the Levite came
out in the morning, he found her dead.
The whole
ordeal reveals just how corrupt humanity can be, even those who are supposed to
be the chosen people of God. When the rest of the Israelites hear what happened
they enquired of the Lord as to what they should do. We are told that God sends
them to do battle against the Tribe of Benjamin. The reason for the battle is
that the Benjamites would not turn over the men who committed the detestable
act.
Initially
the Israelites lose during to attacks. On the third attempt, they finally have
victory. With in the nation of Israel there is a great battle over the sinful
actions of their brothers. Sadly, many people died on both sides of the issue.
The sin of a few men caused great distress for the entire nation.
Application:
One of the
things we learn in the Old Testament is that humanity is very fickle. We can
praise God out one side of our mouth but indulge in the most self-centered sin
the moment we turn to the other. Sexual assault has been a part of human
history for centuries. Nevertheless, this does not mean we should throw up our
arms and say, “Oh well, what can I do.” On the contrary, we should be as
outraged as the Israelites.
This month
is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Being aware is only the first step. Human
trafficking, child sexual abuse, adult/teen rape, etc. all threaten our lives.
We are all affected whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. When we refuse
to participate in the solution we become like the Benjamites. Though we are not
to take up arms and take the law into our own hands, there are many peaceful
ways that we can protect, heal, and rescue those who have been treated so
poorly. In addition, we can fight to keep others from being victimized.
One of the
lessons of this passage is that the battles are not easy. Often there are
casualties on both sides. Sadly, there are no innocent bystanders when it comes
to social injustice. There are only four players when it comes to injustice.
Those who are victims, those who are perpetrators, those fight against it, and
those who ignore it. Perhaps, a passage like this could remind us all that
Jesus calls us to care for the oppressed, the widows, the orphans, the poor,
and the marginalized.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for my ignorance in the past. Forgive me
for turning a blind eye. Help me to stand up for those who you stand for, to
love those who you love, and to peacefully fight for solutions for these sins
of our nation. For when one citizen commits these sins Lord, we all have a role
to play in ending the injustices. - Amen
Amen
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