Judges 17—18: A Moral Collapse
IN HIS JANUARY 27, 1838, address before the Young Men's Lyceum, Springfield, Illinois, Abraham Lincoln said:
"At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some trans-Atlantic military giant, to step the ocean, and crush us at a blow?
Never!
At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected?
I answer, if it ever reaches us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we ourselves must be its author and finisher. As a nation of free men, we must live through all times, or die by suicide."
The last five chapters of Judges show us a picture of a society destroying itself by a moral and spiritual collapse.
Warming Up to God
What dangers are your nation, church and family facing? God grieves when we turn from him. Take some time to reflect on how God must feel as he looks on the world he created.
Read Judges 17—18. »
Discovering the Word
- What happens to the stolen silver throughout this tale?
- Describe Micah's mother (17:1-4). What was her relationship to God and to her son?
- What actions does Micah take in this narrative (17:1-3, 10-13; 18:22-26)?
- How did the Levite pervert religion (17:10-13; 18:4-6, 18-20)?
- What do you learn about the tribe of Dan?
Applying the Word
- What individuals or groups in your community most resemble Micah's mother, Micah, the Levite and the Danites?
- By which of their sins are you most tempted?
- What role could you have in calling people back to God?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for the people in your city or town and for yourself.
For Further Study
Renewing the City by Robert D. Lupton