LWWC - Judges - Session 8

Bible study session focusing on Judges chapters 19 and 20, focusing on the themes of immorality, the consequences of sin, and the necessity of eradicating evil. Matthew emphasizes how, during a time when "every man did what was right in his own eyes," Israel fell into deep depravity, paralleling the story of Sodom.

Key Highlights & Themes:

• The Levite and his Concubine: The story begins with a Levite taking back his unfaithful concubine from Bethlehem. The narrative focuses on their journey and the lack of hospitality in Israel.
• The Depravity of Gibeah: Upon arriving in Gibeah, a city of Benjamin, the travelers face a scenario similar to Sodom, where men of the city demand to sexually assault the Levite. Instead, the concubine is brutally abused all night.
• The Aftermath: The Levite finds his concubine dead at the threshold, cuts her body into twelve pieces, and sends them throughout Israel to incite action against this wickedness.
• Israel Unites for Justice: The tribes of Israel gather as one, demanding the Benjamites turn over the wicked men. Benjamin refuses, leading to a civil war.
• War and God's Guidance: After initially losing battles, Israel seeks God’s counsel and eventually defeats the tribe of Benjamin, eradicating the city of Gibeah and almost the entire tribe (32:39).Lessons and Applications:
• The Danger of Compromise: Bro. Matthew warns that sin in one's life can lead to uncontrollable consequences and that trying to live with the world brings ruin.
• The Spirit World: Bro. Matthew contrasts physical actions with spiritual evil, asserting that some behavior is purely demonic and cannot be explained away by science.
• Perseverance in Righteousness: Using the example of Israel's persistence against Benjamin, Bro. Matthew highlights the need to fight until sin is completely destroyed.
• Restoration: Bro. Matthew emphasizes that believers should seek to restore fallen brethren in a spirit of meekness rather than gossiping or judging.