WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.960 Good morning. 00:00:06.240 --> 00:00:11.099 My name's Matthew Capone, and I'm the pastor here at Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church, 00:00:11.099 --> 00:00:13.900 and it's my joy to bring God's Word to you today. 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:17.879 A special welcome if you're new or visiting with us. 00:00:18.539 --> 00:00:23.900 We're glad that you're here, and we're glad that you're here not because we're trying to fill seats, 00:00:24.620 --> 00:00:28.179 but because we're following Jesus together as one community. 00:00:28.179 --> 00:00:33.280 And as we follow Jesus together, we become convinced that there's no one so good, 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:37.060 they don't need God's grace, and no one so bad that they can't have it, 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:42.299 which is why we come back week after week to hear what God has to say to us in His Word. 00:00:43.359 --> 00:00:46.939 We are finishing this morning our series in the book of Judges, 00:00:47.179 --> 00:00:51.000 and you'll remember that the book of Judges is about a number of things. 00:00:51.460 --> 00:00:55.799 It's about the need for constant renewal and revival among God's people. 00:00:55.799 --> 00:00:59.279 It's about the need for a faithful and true king, 00:00:59.739 --> 00:01:04.079 a king who can do what no human can do, which is to change the hearts of men. 00:01:04.840 --> 00:01:08.019 It's about the power of Spirit-filled leadership, 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:14.140 and it's about God's mercy to hard-hearted people, people like you and me. 00:01:14.140 --> 00:01:18.219 As we come to the very last chapter together, 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:24.780 we're continuing and really finishing the theme of the very last few chapters of Judges, 00:01:24.840 --> 00:01:25.519 which is this. 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:32.099 This is how it all ends when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. 00:01:33.159 --> 00:01:37.180 And so we've been looking at this horrific portrait of Israel 00:01:37.180 --> 00:01:44.620 and how gruesome and really gross things become when God is abandoned by His people. 00:01:44.940 --> 00:01:46.980 We've been seeing that from a number of angles. 00:01:47.220 --> 00:01:50.200 We saw the worst of all in Judges chapter 19, 00:01:50.400 --> 00:01:52.660 but then last time in Judges chapter 20, 00:01:52.660 --> 00:01:56.120 we saw what happens when people refuse to deal with sin, 00:01:56.560 --> 00:02:00.080 which is that at the end, it really does grow and grow. 00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:02.300 It doesn't just lie dormant. 00:02:02.299 --> 00:02:07.560 We're going to see one more angle this morning as we turn to Judges chapter 21. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:14.219 We'll see once again who gets trampled on as people pursue their own way. 00:02:14.879 --> 00:02:18.280 And so I invite you to turn with me to Judges chapter 21. 00:02:18.780 --> 00:02:20.460 You can turn in your Bible. 00:02:21.599 --> 00:02:23.000 You can turn in your worship guide. 00:02:24.039 --> 00:02:25.519 You can turn on your phone. 00:02:25.659 --> 00:02:28.900 No matter where you turn, remember that this is God's Word. 00:02:29.419 --> 00:02:32.180 God tells us that His Word is more precious than gold. 00:02:32.300 --> 00:02:33.280 Even the finest gold. 00:02:33.980 --> 00:02:35.100 And it's sweeter than honey. 00:02:35.380 --> 00:02:37.780 Even honey that comes straight from the honeycomb. 00:02:38.960 --> 00:02:43.160 And so that's why we read now Judges chapter 21, starting at verse 1. 00:02:45.060 --> 00:02:47.640 Now the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah, 00:02:48.500 --> 00:02:51.460 no one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin. 00:02:52.360 --> 00:02:56.400 And the people came to Bethel and sat there till evening before God. 00:02:56.740 --> 00:02:59.520 And they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. 00:02:59.520 --> 00:03:01.380 And they said, 00:03:01.540 --> 00:03:02.980 O Lord, the God of Israel, 00:03:03.320 --> 00:03:05.300 why has this happened in Israel, 00:03:05.439 --> 00:03:08.660 that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel? 00:03:09.860 --> 00:03:13.219 And the next day the people rose early and built there an altar 00:03:13.219 --> 00:03:15.400 and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. 00:03:16.520 --> 00:03:18.200 And the people of Israel said, 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:23.000 Which of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly to the Lord? 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:28.939 For they had taken a great oath concerning Him who did not come up to the Lord at Mizpah, 00:03:29.080 --> 00:03:29.360 saying, 00:03:30.400 --> 00:03:32.340 He shall surely be put to death. 00:03:33.419 --> 00:03:37.300 And the people of Israel had compassion for Benjamin their brother and said, 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:41.020 One tribe is cut off from Israel this day. 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:45.379 What shall we do for wives for those who are left, 00:03:45.460 --> 00:03:50.460 since we have sworn by the Lord that we will not give them any of our daughters for wives? 00:03:50.460 --> 00:03:52.939 Verse 8. 00:03:54.260 --> 00:03:54.900 And they said, 00:03:55.099 --> 00:03:59.120 What one is there of the tribes of Israel that did not come up to the Lord to Mizpah? 00:03:59.939 --> 00:04:04.120 And behold, no one had come to the camp from Jabesh-Gilead to the assembly. 00:04:04.900 --> 00:04:06.439 For when the people were mustered, 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:10.060 behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead was there. 00:04:11.240 --> 00:04:15.900 So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there and commanded them, 00:04:15.900 --> 00:04:21.000 Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead with the edge of the sword, 00:04:21.819 --> 00:04:24.079 also the women and the little ones. 00:04:24.899 --> 00:04:26.220 This is what you shall do. 00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:31.319 Every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall devote to destruction. 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:36.780 And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead 400 young virgins 00:04:36.780 --> 00:04:39.280 who had not known a man by lying with him. 00:04:39.720 --> 00:04:43.240 And they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. 00:04:43.240 --> 00:04:47.439 Then the whole congregation sent word to the people of Benjamin 00:04:47.439 --> 00:04:50.439 who were at the Rock of Remen and proclaimed peace to them. 00:04:51.560 --> 00:04:53.340 And Benjamin returned at that time. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:58.819 And they gave them the women whom they had saved alive of the women of Jabesh-Gilead, 00:04:58.900 --> 00:05:00.720 but they were not enough for them. 00:05:01.800 --> 00:05:03.720 And the people had compassion on Benjamin 00:05:03.720 --> 00:05:06.960 because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. 00:05:08.199 --> 00:05:09.220 Verse 16. 00:05:10.900 --> 00:05:13.000 Then the elders of the congregation said, 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:15.879 What shall we do for wives for those who are left? 00:05:16.660 --> 00:05:19.040 Since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin. 00:05:20.240 --> 00:05:21.220 And they said, 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:24.000 There must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin 00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:26.720 that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel. 00:05:27.759 --> 00:05:30.339 Yet we cannot give them wives from our daughters. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:32.959 For the people of Israel had sworn, 00:05:33.360 --> 00:05:35.660 Cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin. 00:05:35.660 --> 00:05:37.600 So they said, 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:40.880 Behold, there is the yearly feast of the Lord at Shiloh, 00:05:41.000 --> 00:05:42.340 which is north of Bethel, 00:05:42.760 --> 00:05:46.480 on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:47.920 and south of Lebanon. 00:05:49.060 --> 00:05:51.480 And they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, 00:05:51.700 --> 00:05:54.300 Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards and watch. 00:05:55.360 --> 00:05:58.120 If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, 00:05:58.460 --> 00:06:01.600 then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:05.379 from the daughters of Shiloh and go to the land of Benjamin. 00:06:07.379 --> 00:06:10.379 And when their fathers or their brothers come to complain to us, 00:06:10.420 --> 00:06:11.260 we will say to them, 00:06:11.920 --> 00:06:13.580 Grant them graciously to us, 00:06:13.620 --> 00:06:16.860 because we did not take for each man of them his wife in battle. 00:06:17.700 --> 00:06:19.180 Neither did you give them to them, 00:06:19.260 --> 00:06:20.500 else you would now be guilty. 00:06:21.640 --> 00:06:23.540 And the people of Benjamin did so 00:06:23.540 --> 00:06:25.540 and took their wives according to their number 00:06:25.540 --> 00:06:27.720 from the dancers whom they carried off. 00:06:27.720 --> 00:06:31.260 Then they went and returned to their inheritance 00:06:31.260 --> 00:06:33.340 and rebuilt the towns and lived in them. 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:36.700 And the people of Israel departed from there at that time, 00:06:36.860 --> 00:06:38.700 every man to his tribe and family. 00:06:39.380 --> 00:06:40.660 And they went out from there, 00:06:40.780 --> 00:06:42.720 every man to his inheritance. 00:06:45.080 --> 00:06:48.960 In those days there was no king in Israel. 00:06:50.200 --> 00:06:54.440 Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:06:54.439 --> 00:06:59.719 I invite you to pray with me as we come to this portion of God's word. 00:07:01.100 --> 00:07:02.100 Our Father in heaven, 00:07:02.219 --> 00:07:06.120 we do praise you and thank you this morning for bringing us together. 00:07:06.699 --> 00:07:08.860 And we thank you that you haven't left us 00:07:08.860 --> 00:07:11.139 to figure out what is right in our own eyes. 00:07:11.680 --> 00:07:15.879 But instead, you've given us your word to guide us and to direct us. 00:07:16.560 --> 00:07:18.819 And so we ask that you would do that again this morning. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:22.500 That you would pour out your spirit here now in this congregation. 00:07:22.500 --> 00:07:25.319 That you would open up our eyes. 00:07:25.699 --> 00:07:26.759 You'd unstop our ears. 00:07:27.480 --> 00:07:28.720 You'd clear our minds. 00:07:28.860 --> 00:07:29.759 You'd soften our hearts. 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:34.019 That we would be able to see and hear and understand and believe 00:07:34.019 --> 00:07:37.439 everything that is written about you in your word. 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:39.860 We ask most of all that you'd show us Jesus. 00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:45.240 That we would see his glory and beauty and power and love and mercy and grace. 00:07:46.040 --> 00:07:48.220 And we ask all of these things in his mighty name. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:49.000 Amen. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:49.139 Amen. 00:07:52.500 --> 00:07:56.579 To understand what's happening in chapter 21, 00:07:56.800 --> 00:08:00.220 you have to remember how the story ended in chapter 20. 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:04.480 We had two important verses that came at the very end 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:07.819 of the attempted destruction of the people of Benjamin, 00:08:08.019 --> 00:08:08.899 the tribe of Benjamin. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:11.920 You'll remember in chapter 19, 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:15.040 the men of Gibeah had committed this great crime 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:18.139 and the most terrible chapter in all of the Bible. 00:08:18.139 --> 00:08:22.379 And so in chapter 20, Israel unites as one. 00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:26.300 We're told one man, one tribe, one people over and over again 00:08:26.300 --> 00:08:29.500 so that they can move against the people of Benjamin. 00:08:30.000 --> 00:08:32.299 Because Benjamin refuses to give up Gibeah, 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:35.179 they decide to stand with their brothers 00:08:35.179 --> 00:08:37.419 rather than to stand with what is right. 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:40.460 And so it's those two verses that help us understand 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:42.659 how serious the situation is now. 00:08:42.659 --> 00:08:47.879 Now, chapter 20, verse 47, we're told there are 600 men 00:08:47.879 --> 00:08:50.019 hiding out in the Rock of Rimen, 00:08:50.559 --> 00:08:53.299 and they've been hiding there for four months. 00:08:54.179 --> 00:08:57.139 In other words, Israel has been so successful 00:08:57.139 --> 00:09:00.079 in their campaign against the tribe of Benjamin 00:09:00.079 --> 00:09:03.199 that all that is left are these 600 men. 00:09:03.579 --> 00:09:05.219 And it's not just that they're left, 00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:07.600 it's that they are trapped in this one place. 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:10.639 Even more than that, the very next verse, 00:09:10.759 --> 00:09:12.519 the last verse of chapter 20, 00:09:13.180 --> 00:09:17.379 tells us that everyone and everything else 00:09:17.379 --> 00:09:19.019 has been destroyed. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:22.779 It's not just that there are only 600 men left, 00:09:23.300 --> 00:09:28.580 it's that there are no cities, women, children remaining. 00:09:30.080 --> 00:09:34.240 Israel has Benjamin on the ropes. 00:09:35.740 --> 00:09:37.340 And of course, that's the purpose, right? 00:09:37.340 --> 00:09:40.280 The purpose, the goal, the end state all along 00:09:40.280 --> 00:09:43.440 was that they would obliterate the tribe of Benjamin. 00:09:43.840 --> 00:09:46.460 Something so terrible has happened in Israel, 00:09:47.180 --> 00:09:50.940 something so bad that no one can remember a worse event, 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:54.600 that it is time for one of the 12 tribes 00:09:54.600 --> 00:09:56.620 to cease to exist. 00:09:59.460 --> 00:10:01.480 In fact, this is what God had told them to do. 00:10:02.300 --> 00:10:05.900 Remember, chapter 20, they'd asked God three times 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:08.299 for guidance and three times he tells them, 00:10:08.840 --> 00:10:10.679 go up against the tribe of Benjamin. 00:10:11.399 --> 00:10:14.240 Very last time he says, go up for tomorrow, 00:10:14.639 --> 00:10:16.659 I will give them into your hand. 00:10:17.740 --> 00:10:19.439 And in fact, God does. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.459 God honors his promise to Israel. 00:10:22.579 --> 00:10:25.019 They have great military success. 00:10:25.340 --> 00:10:27.439 And what should we expect at this point 00:10:27.439 --> 00:10:29.379 as we head into chapter 21, 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:32.980 but that they would finally finish the job. 00:10:33.899 --> 00:10:35.179 You've got 600 men. 00:10:35.519 --> 00:10:37.120 They've been trapped for four months. 00:10:37.480 --> 00:10:42.139 This does not seem like a complicated problem to solve. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:50.679 until, faced with the grief of losing their brothers, 00:10:52.179 --> 00:10:56.379 having four months to reflect on what it actually means 00:10:56.379 --> 00:10:58.919 to lose one of the 12 tribes, 00:11:00.039 --> 00:11:03.539 Israel also loses her courage. 00:11:03.539 --> 00:11:09.779 They don't actually have the nerve to follow through 00:11:09.779 --> 00:11:11.860 with the plan that God has given them. 00:11:12.899 --> 00:11:16.279 And so, instead of finishing the job that they've been given, 00:11:16.399 --> 00:11:18.959 they suddenly reverse course 00:11:18.959 --> 00:11:20.980 and decide they're going to reverse it. 00:11:21.799 --> 00:11:25.439 The goal is no longer to destroy Benjamin. 00:11:26.279 --> 00:11:26.579 No. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:30.299 The goal is now to restore Benjamin. 00:11:30.299 --> 00:11:35.419 And so, right as they are about to have 00:11:35.419 --> 00:11:36.620 what God has sent them to do, 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:40.799 they grab defeat from the jaws of victory. 00:11:41.839 --> 00:11:43.639 Of course, they run into a problem here 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:46.500 because restoring Benjamin turns out to be 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:49.959 much harder done than said. 00:11:50.639 --> 00:11:53.000 There were some things that we didn't learn last week 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:54.839 about their plan and their gathering 00:11:54.839 --> 00:11:57.719 to go up and purge this evil from God's people. 00:11:57.720 --> 00:12:01.220 And the important details that we were not shared 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:03.220 were about the two vows that they had taken. 00:12:03.879 --> 00:12:06.920 Now, we find out that there was an elaborate plan 00:12:06.920 --> 00:12:08.019 even more than we know. 00:12:08.840 --> 00:12:10.660 Vow one shows up twice here, 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:12.180 verse one and verse 18. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:13.820 Verse one, they say, 00:12:14.080 --> 00:12:16.940 no one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin. 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:18.800 And then in verse 18, 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:22.440 cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin. 00:12:22.440 --> 00:12:26.440 This vow is a feature, not a bug. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.940 In fact, this is part of the plan. 00:12:29.860 --> 00:12:33.100 They are trying to accomplish what now they work to undo, 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:36.800 which is to end Benjamin definitively. 00:12:37.860 --> 00:12:39.460 In fact, they're preparing, right, 00:12:39.520 --> 00:12:41.040 for the scenario they now face. 00:12:41.420 --> 00:12:43.240 What if there's some Benjamites left? 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:46.700 Well, we'll make sure there's no one for them to marry. 00:12:46.700 --> 00:12:48.580 If a few men make it, 00:12:48.660 --> 00:12:52.940 they will not be able to produce another generation. 00:12:54.220 --> 00:12:56.340 There's another vow that we find out about 00:12:56.340 --> 00:12:57.500 that we were not aware of, 00:12:57.640 --> 00:13:00.940 which is the vow to also go after anyone 00:13:00.940 --> 00:13:02.080 who didn't join them. 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:04.040 So verses five and eight, 00:13:04.140 --> 00:13:05.820 we find out if someone failed 00:13:05.820 --> 00:13:08.140 to join this gathering against Benjamin, 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:11.240 they are also going to be wiped out. 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:15.700 Verse five, he shall surely be put to death. 00:13:15.700 --> 00:13:18.080 And then in verse eight, we find out, 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:20.460 oh, Jabesh Gilead didn't show up. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:22.840 Guess what's going to happen to Jabesh Gilead? 00:13:23.379 --> 00:13:26.140 They are going to be destroyed. 00:13:27.560 --> 00:13:29.580 And so they put up this elaborate plan. 00:13:29.660 --> 00:13:31.160 The elaborate plan is meant essentially 00:13:31.160 --> 00:13:32.620 to accomplish two things. 00:13:33.180 --> 00:13:36.240 First, they need to honor the vows that they've taken. 00:13:36.860 --> 00:13:40.240 And second, they need to restore Benjamin. 00:13:41.500 --> 00:13:43.720 600 men of Benjamin, no women. 00:13:44.240 --> 00:13:45.120 What has to happen? 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:47.679 They have to find some wives for these men 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:51.100 so that the generations of Benjamin will continue. 00:13:52.600 --> 00:13:54.620 And as they face this problem of wives, 00:13:54.720 --> 00:13:57.440 they find the solution of Jabesh Gilead. 00:13:57.820 --> 00:13:59.480 Oh, there's this group in Israel. 00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:01.419 We vowed that we're going to destroy them. 00:14:01.580 --> 00:14:04.159 So let's go destroy them with one exception. 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:08.200 We will not destroy any of their marriageable women. 00:14:08.679 --> 00:14:09.600 So we'll take them. 00:14:09.860 --> 00:14:11.919 We'll give those women to the Benjaminites. 00:14:12.279 --> 00:14:12.879 Problem solved. 00:14:12.879 --> 00:14:15.939 And so that is, in fact, what they do. 00:14:16.000 --> 00:14:21.059 Verses 10 through 15, they go and they kill everyone in Jabesh Gilead except the virgins. 00:14:21.460 --> 00:14:25.580 And then they present those 400 women to the 600 Benjaminites. 00:14:25.580 --> 00:14:31.540 Now, if you can do basic math, at this point, you realize there's a little bit of a challenge. 00:14:32.639 --> 00:14:35.840 400 is, in fact, 200 short of 600. 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:38.780 If you figured that out on your own, congratulations. 00:14:38.779 --> 00:14:46.199 So there is a 200 wife deficit, which means they need to go again and find another solution. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:50.019 And they come up with something even more creative this time. 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:53.459 Verses 16 through 23, how about we do this? 00:14:53.939 --> 00:14:56.959 We don't have another tribe to wipe out and other people to wipe out. 00:14:57.039 --> 00:15:02.659 So how about we do the very innocent and classic move of just kidnapping a bunch of people? 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:07.100 That seems to be the correct solution in this situation. 00:15:08.199 --> 00:15:11.199 And so they show up to this feast at Shiloh. 00:15:11.419 --> 00:15:12.539 These women are dancing. 00:15:12.759 --> 00:15:14.379 It's the perfect kidnapping scenario. 00:15:14.659 --> 00:15:15.480 They go in. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:18.439 They grab 200 women and go out. 00:15:19.339 --> 00:15:21.539 And then we read this in verse 23. 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.860 Everything is great, right? 00:15:23.860 --> 00:15:38.440 Isn't that sweet? 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:44.000 There is such a happy ending to the book of Judges. 00:15:44.960 --> 00:15:46.960 You know, they found some solutions. 00:15:47.200 --> 00:15:49.200 They killed a bunch of people but protected the virgins. 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:50.340 That solved part of the problem. 00:15:50.620 --> 00:15:53.200 And then they just kind of had a classic afternoon kidnapping. 00:15:53.860 --> 00:15:58.039 And then they went home and they rebuilt their towns and everyone lived happily ever after. 00:15:58.180 --> 00:15:59.460 And the inheritance was protected. 00:16:00.419 --> 00:16:04.500 And, you know, the book of Judges ends as every happy story does. 00:16:05.639 --> 00:16:06.840 And then we just move on. 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:13.940 Look at what a great job Israel has done. 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:17.820 Aren't they so smart and clever, right? 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:20.240 Okay, it's not that funny. 00:16:20.240 --> 00:16:27.060 And then we find out that is, in fact, not the case. 00:16:28.100 --> 00:16:28.279 Right? 00:16:29.240 --> 00:16:37.100 There are two simple reminders here that things are very, very far from being okay. 00:16:38.320 --> 00:16:41.259 Now, we find out one of them in verse 12. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:46.220 There's this very subtle, very devastating indictment of Israel. 00:16:47.500 --> 00:16:53.340 And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:59.679 And they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. 00:16:59.679 --> 00:17:03.179 Is Shiloh in the land of Canaan? 00:17:05.359 --> 00:17:07.579 Shiloh's in what used to be the land of Canaan. 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:10.399 Shiloh is now God's land. 00:17:11.899 --> 00:17:13.919 The conquest has already happened. 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:16.720 The book of Joshua has already occurred. 00:17:17.099 --> 00:17:19.480 This is no longer the land of Canaan. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:28.880 In fact, this, I believe, is the only time after the conquest of the promised land that this phrase is used to refer to God's land. 00:17:30.120 --> 00:17:39.839 And so the narrator is telling us in this very subtle but clear way, God's people are just like the pagans. 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:46.079 God's land is just like the Canaanite land. 00:17:46.079 --> 00:17:50.639 Do you want to know what Israel is doing here in this episode? 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.899 They're behaving like God's enemies. 00:17:55.439 --> 00:18:01.679 They are acting as if they were the ones who were opposed to God. 00:18:03.299 --> 00:18:05.139 It's not the only hint we get, though. 00:18:06.099 --> 00:18:08.199 We have something a little bit more explicit. 00:18:09.139 --> 00:18:12.299 Verse 25 also reminds us things are not okay. 00:18:12.299 --> 00:18:16.879 In those days, there was no king in Israel. 00:18:17.639 --> 00:18:21.960 Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. 00:18:23.119 --> 00:18:25.339 And in case that wasn't clear enough, 00:18:26.940 --> 00:18:30.099 do you notice what God says and does in this chapter? 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:36.299 God says and does nothing. 00:18:36.299 --> 00:18:40.180 Notice verses 2 through 4. 00:18:40.839 --> 00:18:44.740 They are working so hard to engage with him. 00:18:45.599 --> 00:18:46.180 Verse 2. 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:50.059 They're sitting before God and they lift up their voices and weep bitterly. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:51.599 Verse 3. 00:18:52.399 --> 00:18:54.539 They're crying out about why this has happened. 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.180 Verse 4. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:58.919 They even go so far as to build an altar and offer burnt offerings. 00:19:00.339 --> 00:19:02.099 And how does God respond to them? 00:19:04.180 --> 00:19:05.019 He doesn't. 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:12.759 God's people have walked so far away from God's ways. 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:17.019 And so we see Israel is too clever for her own good. 00:19:18.220 --> 00:19:24.240 Israel is doing and only doing what is right in her own eyes. 00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:31.099 She's doing the opposite of what God's people should be about. 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:35.439 We see the same theme we've seen for the last several chapters, 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:39.559 which that is, in fact, everything that God's people are doing is upside down. 00:19:40.439 --> 00:19:41.059 Verse 3. 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:41.639 They say, 00:19:41.759 --> 00:19:44.500 Oh, Lord, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel? 00:19:45.659 --> 00:19:48.319 In other words, God, this is kind of your fault. 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:51.399 What have you done here? 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.799 And, of course, we know the answer. 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:56.940 Why has this happened in Israel? 00:19:57.240 --> 00:20:01.019 This has happened because of her rebellion and apostasy. 00:20:01.579 --> 00:20:06.519 This has happened because of what happened in chapter 19 with the Levite and his concubine. 00:20:07.019 --> 00:20:10.039 This has happened because all the way back in chapter 1, 00:20:10.180 --> 00:20:13.839 Israel refused to finish the job that God had given them. 00:20:14.139 --> 00:20:15.359 Why has this happened? 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:17.359 God's silence says everything. 00:20:17.359 --> 00:20:22.119 Israel, this has happened because of you. 00:20:25.439 --> 00:20:27.479 Not only do they shift the blame, 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:31.919 they then seem to lose track of what is more and less serious. 00:20:33.039 --> 00:20:37.719 They forgive Benjamin for what is a heinous crime. 00:20:39.119 --> 00:20:40.679 Remember what Benjamin is doing. 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:45.839 They're protecting the men of Gibeah who did unspeakable things in chapter 19. 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:48.279 But Benjamin somehow gets off the hook. 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:50.839 Who does get punished? 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:52.679 Jabesh Gilead. 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:57.259 Who did something wrong, not something heinous. 00:20:57.819 --> 00:21:00.019 So those who did the heinous thing get off the hook. 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:02.519 Those who do the wrong thing get wrecked. 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:06.939 They don't wipe out Benjamin, and then they completely destroy Jabesh Gilead. 00:21:07.959 --> 00:21:10.599 Then they talk about this festival at Shiloh, 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:13.679 which sounds great because it's a festival of the Lord. 00:21:13.680 --> 00:21:15.960 The only problem is this. 00:21:16.060 --> 00:21:19.460 There is no record of this type of festival in the Old Testament law. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:23.440 We don't know about a festival where women come out and dance. 00:21:24.340 --> 00:21:27.259 Even more than that, it's happening at the time of the harvest, 00:21:27.500 --> 00:21:31.720 which is a way of hinting that this is, in fact, a pagan celebration. 00:21:33.620 --> 00:21:35.920 Done under God's name. 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:38.840 And then if that were not enough, 00:21:39.640 --> 00:21:43.840 they continue the pattern we've seen for the last several chapters 00:21:43.840 --> 00:21:45.660 and really much of the book, 00:21:45.980 --> 00:21:49.320 the pattern of incredible respect and honor towards women. 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:53.180 And they do that by kidnapping, abducting, and raping them. 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:59.259 Everything in Israel is upside down. 00:21:59.259 --> 00:22:03.339 The point is this. 00:22:04.900 --> 00:22:09.960 Israel prays on the vulnerable, the daughters of Shiloh, 00:22:10.500 --> 00:22:14.559 and they pray on the vulnerable so that they can preserve the institution, 00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.160 the men of Benjamin. 00:22:18.039 --> 00:22:20.460 The men of Benjamin are outlaws. 00:22:21.799 --> 00:22:23.740 Women of Shiloh are innocent. 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:29.900 And so Israel chooses the guilty over the innocent. 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:43.880 For Israel, preserving their institution is much more important than protecting the vulnerable. 00:22:45.259 --> 00:22:48.079 More important than justice. 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:54.179 More important than doing to Benjamin what God had told them to do. 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:58.319 And so we see one final time, 00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.639 one final episode, 00:23:00.879 --> 00:23:03.720 the ongoing theme that we've had for the last several chapters, 00:23:04.279 --> 00:23:05.879 which is that women 00:23:05.879 --> 00:23:09.759 are sacrificed for the sake of men. 00:23:11.419 --> 00:23:13.299 We saw it in Judges chapter 12. 00:23:13.419 --> 00:23:15.980 It's Jethpah's daughter, not Jethpah, who's sacrificed. 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:18.220 We saw it in Judges 19. 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:21.519 It is the Levite's concubine, not the Levite, 00:23:21.980 --> 00:23:23.880 who's violated. 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:27.960 And so we come back to what we talked about all the way back then. 00:23:29.180 --> 00:23:30.640 This is how it all ends 00:23:30.640 --> 00:23:36.059 when everyone does what is right in their own eyes. 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:39.079 It is the vulnerable 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:41.579 who always pay the price. 00:23:41.579 --> 00:23:44.799 This is how ugly 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:46.960 and gross 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:47.899 and degrading 00:23:47.899 --> 00:23:49.119 and dehumanizing 00:23:49.119 --> 00:23:50.559 our autonomy 00:23:50.559 --> 00:23:52.319 actually is. 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:55.519 This is what it looks like 00:23:55.519 --> 00:23:56.659 when we care about us 00:23:56.659 --> 00:23:57.399 and only 00:23:57.399 --> 00:23:58.579 us. 00:24:00.980 --> 00:24:03.839 Chapter 21 here presents that same theme, 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:04.899 but it gives us 00:24:04.899 --> 00:24:06.559 a new angle. 00:24:07.699 --> 00:24:08.720 It's not just 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:09.500 that the vulnerable 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:10.879 are the ones who pay. 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:13.360 We're also shown here 00:24:13.360 --> 00:24:13.860 how 00:24:13.860 --> 00:24:15.440 they're going to pay. 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.100 They pay 00:24:18.100 --> 00:24:19.940 because the powerful 00:24:19.940 --> 00:24:21.120 are going to choose 00:24:21.120 --> 00:24:21.980 the reputation 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.900 and integrity 00:24:22.900 --> 00:24:24.320 of their institutions 00:24:24.320 --> 00:24:27.080 and they're going to choose those 00:24:27.080 --> 00:24:28.220 over vulnerable 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.220 and helpless people. 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.120 Israel decided 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.180 that Benjamin 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.800 was too big to fail. 00:24:36.799 --> 00:24:39.680 and so what do they do? 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:41.659 They find a bailout. 00:24:42.960 --> 00:24:44.500 And who gets to pay the bill 00:24:44.500 --> 00:24:46.339 for Benjamin's bailout? 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:48.419 Who's going to save them 00:24:48.419 --> 00:24:49.240 from the destruction 00:24:49.240 --> 00:24:50.279 that's coming their way? 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:53.500 Who is going to protect 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:54.779 the pride 00:24:54.779 --> 00:24:55.539 and appearance 00:24:55.539 --> 00:24:56.319 of Israel? 00:24:58.000 --> 00:24:59.619 The bailout's going to be paid for 00:24:59.619 --> 00:25:00.220 and the pride 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:01.119 will be protected 00:25:01.119 --> 00:25:02.439 by vulnerable 00:25:02.439 --> 00:25:03.739 and innocent women. 00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:08.099 That's what happens 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:08.839 when everyone 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:10.459 does what is right 00:25:10.459 --> 00:25:11.759 in their own eyes. 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:14.259 And so it shouldn't 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:15.039 surprise us 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:17.199 that as they cry out 00:25:17.199 --> 00:25:17.659 to God 00:25:17.659 --> 00:25:19.059 in verses 2 through 4 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:20.299 with their fake religion, 00:25:21.259 --> 00:25:23.359 God has no answer. 00:25:23.359 --> 00:25:27.879 There is nothing else 00:25:27.879 --> 00:25:28.579 left 00:25:28.579 --> 00:25:29.699 to say. 00:25:33.559 --> 00:25:34.139 Of course, 00:25:34.179 --> 00:25:34.839 the same thing 00:25:34.839 --> 00:25:35.419 happens 00:25:35.419 --> 00:25:37.019 in the church 00:25:37.019 --> 00:25:38.479 and in our world today. 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:41.319 We can't expose 00:25:41.319 --> 00:25:42.939 the scandal 00:25:42.939 --> 00:25:43.719 of a pastor. 00:25:44.659 --> 00:25:46.000 We can't talk about 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.559 the scandal 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:47.199 in the church 00:25:47.199 --> 00:25:47.819 because, 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:48.459 man, 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:48.959 what would happen 00:25:48.959 --> 00:25:49.879 to the ministry, right? 00:25:51.979 --> 00:25:53.119 And yet we forget 00:25:53.119 --> 00:25:53.939 that what really 00:25:53.939 --> 00:25:55.059 destroys a community 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.899 is the cover-up, 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:56.599 not the scandal. 00:25:57.939 --> 00:25:59.399 What really destroys it 00:25:59.399 --> 00:26:00.639 is when the powerful 00:26:00.639 --> 00:26:01.259 are chosen 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:02.179 over the weak. 00:26:03.479 --> 00:26:04.659 What really destroys 00:26:04.659 --> 00:26:05.479 our society 00:26:05.479 --> 00:26:06.139 is when 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:07.500 we protect 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.319 the reputations 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.979 of the rich 00:26:08.979 --> 00:26:10.639 because they're rich. 00:26:12.159 --> 00:26:13.619 What destroys our culture 00:26:13.619 --> 00:26:14.479 is when we show 00:26:14.479 --> 00:26:15.639 deference to the powerful 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:16.119 because they're powerful 00:26:16.119 --> 00:26:17.919 rather than doing 00:26:17.919 --> 00:26:19.179 what's right. 00:26:21.079 --> 00:26:22.539 And what's even more 00:26:22.539 --> 00:26:23.680 heartbreaking 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:24.420 and shocking 00:26:24.420 --> 00:26:25.599 about the book of Judges 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:26.899 and about chapter 21 00:26:26.899 --> 00:26:28.539 is that this is not 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:29.879 a story about the pagans. 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.639 It is a story 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:33.259 about Israel. 00:26:37.700 --> 00:26:39.039 It raises this question 00:26:39.039 --> 00:26:39.460 for us. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:39.920 In the midst 00:26:39.920 --> 00:26:41.220 of God's silence 00:26:41.220 --> 00:26:45.259 and in the midst 00:26:45.259 --> 00:26:47.139 of Israel's apostasy 00:26:47.139 --> 00:26:47.859 and wickedness 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:48.399 and sin, 00:26:49.359 --> 00:26:51.259 where is God's grace? 00:26:51.259 --> 00:26:51.359 grace. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:55.160 And God's grace 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:55.700 is here. 00:27:01.059 --> 00:27:02.960 Verse 23 and 24, 00:27:03.079 --> 00:27:03.819 verse 24 00:27:03.819 --> 00:27:04.579 makes it sound 00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:05.279 like everything 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:06.000 is good 00:27:06.000 --> 00:27:07.519 and Israel 00:27:07.519 --> 00:27:08.059 goes on 00:27:08.059 --> 00:27:08.900 to live her life. 00:27:09.960 --> 00:27:10.440 And that, 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.200 my friends, 00:27:11.460 --> 00:27:12.640 is a miracle. 00:27:14.759 --> 00:27:15.319 Israel 00:27:15.319 --> 00:27:16.019 deserves 00:27:16.019 --> 00:27:17.079 to be 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:17.859 destroyed. 00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:20.299 What should 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:21.099 have happened 00:27:21.099 --> 00:27:21.839 to Benjamin 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.139 should happen 00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:24.000 to all 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:25.179 twelve tribes. 00:27:26.459 --> 00:27:27.099 Verse 12, 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:28.500 they are at Shiloh, 00:27:29.139 --> 00:27:30.539 which is in 00:27:30.539 --> 00:27:31.379 the land 00:27:31.379 --> 00:27:32.079 of Canaan. 00:27:33.399 --> 00:27:33.899 God 00:27:33.899 --> 00:27:34.719 should treat 00:27:34.719 --> 00:27:35.379 Israel 00:27:35.379 --> 00:27:36.119 just like 00:27:36.119 --> 00:27:36.599 he's treated 00:27:36.599 --> 00:27:37.439 the other nations. 00:27:38.159 --> 00:27:38.819 God 00:27:38.819 --> 00:27:39.619 should wipe 00:27:39.619 --> 00:27:40.419 out Israel 00:27:40.419 --> 00:27:40.959 just like 00:27:40.959 --> 00:27:41.519 he's wiped 00:27:41.519 --> 00:27:42.639 out the other nations 00:27:42.639 --> 00:27:44.039 and he doesn't. 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.319 Why? 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:48.399 Because 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.960 and only 00:27:49.960 --> 00:27:50.559 because 00:27:50.559 --> 00:27:52.039 of God's 00:27:52.039 --> 00:27:53.399 great grace. 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.639 Because 00:27:55.639 --> 00:27:56.299 and only 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.259 because God 00:27:57.259 --> 00:27:57.779 has made 00:27:57.779 --> 00:27:58.419 promises 00:27:58.419 --> 00:27:59.419 to Abraham 00:27:59.419 --> 00:28:00.339 and he 00:28:00.339 --> 00:28:01.419 will not 00:28:01.419 --> 00:28:02.079 violate 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:02.759 his covenant. 00:28:03.879 --> 00:28:04.599 Because 00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:05.500 and only 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.019 because 00:28:06.019 --> 00:28:06.700 God 00:28:06.700 --> 00:28:07.419 is 00:28:07.419 --> 00:28:08.299 faithful 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.879 even if 00:28:09.879 --> 00:28:10.200 we are 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:10.799 faithless 00:28:10.799 --> 00:28:11.639 for he 00:28:11.639 --> 00:28:12.119 cannot 00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:12.980 deny 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.700 himself. 00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:23.000 why 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:23.220 doesn't 00:28:23.220 --> 00:28:23.600 he wipe 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:23.900 Israel 00:28:23.900 --> 00:28:24.200 out? 00:28:24.580 --> 00:28:24.779 Why 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:24.980 doesn't 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:25.319 he wipe 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:25.539 us 00:28:25.539 --> 00:28:25.759 out? 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.160 Because 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:28.100 and only 00:28:28.100 --> 00:28:28.700 because 00:28:28.700 --> 00:28:29.539 of God's 00:28:29.539 --> 00:28:30.059 grace. 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.700 And where 00:28:31.700 --> 00:28:32.000 does that 00:28:32.000 --> 00:28:32.440 grace come 00:28:32.440 --> 00:28:32.700 from? 00:28:34.440 --> 00:28:35.380 The grace 00:28:35.380 --> 00:28:35.880 comes 00:28:35.880 --> 00:28:36.240 because 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:36.779 God 00:28:36.779 --> 00:28:37.360 chose 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.000 to wipe 00:28:38.000 --> 00:28:38.319 out 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:38.600 his 00:28:38.600 --> 00:28:38.960 son 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:39.240 so 00:28:39.240 --> 00:28:39.360 that 00:28:39.360 --> 00:28:39.460 he 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:39.640 could 00:28:39.640 --> 00:28:40.180 save 00:28:40.180 --> 00:28:40.720 us. 00:28:40.720 --> 00:28:42.660 that 00:28:42.660 --> 00:28:43.039 day 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.980 in 00:28:43.980 --> 00:28:44.240 those 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.620 days 00:28:44.620 --> 00:28:44.839 there 00:28:44.839 --> 00:28:45.000 was 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.240 no 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.519 king 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:45.680 in 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:46.100 Israel 00:28:46.100 --> 00:28:47.400 and 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:47.660 the 00:28:47.660 --> 00:28:48.100 king 00:28:48.100 --> 00:28:48.460 is 00:28:48.460 --> 00:28:48.799 coming. 00:28:49.880 --> 00:28:50.500 The 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:50.740 king 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:50.920 is 00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:51.220 coming 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:51.480 who 00:28:51.480 --> 00:28:51.640 is 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:51.960 going 00:28:51.960 --> 00:28:52.360 to 00:28:52.360 --> 00:28:52.819 live 00:28:52.819 --> 00:28:53.019 the 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:53.339 perfect 00:28:53.339 --> 00:28:53.779 life 00:28:53.779 --> 00:28:53.980 that 00:28:53.980 --> 00:28:54.539 Israel 00:28:54.539 --> 00:28:55.259 and 00:28:55.259 --> 00:28:55.539 God's 00:28:55.539 --> 00:28:55.759 people 00:28:55.759 --> 00:28:56.000 did 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.259 not 00:28:56.259 --> 00:28:56.600 live. 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:57.620 The 00:28:57.620 --> 00:28:57.880 perfect 00:28:57.880 --> 00:28:58.180 king 00:28:58.180 --> 00:28:58.360 is 00:28:58.360 --> 00:28:58.680 coming 00:28:58.680 --> 00:28:58.940 who 00:28:58.940 --> 00:28:59.100 is 00:28:59.100 --> 00:28:59.380 going 00:28:59.380 --> 00:28:59.640 to 00:28:59.640 --> 00:29:00.100 take 00:29:00.100 --> 00:29:00.319 the 00:29:00.319 --> 00:29:00.839 punishment 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.500 that 00:29:01.500 --> 00:29:02.019 Israel 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