Judges 20

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Judges 20:46-48, On that day twenty-five thousand Benjamite swordsmen fell, all of them valiant fighters. But six hundred of them turned and fled into the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, where they stayed four months.  The men of Israel went back to Benjamin and put all the towns to the sword, including the animals and everything else they found. All the towns they came across they set on fire.

A large number of Israelites gather in response to the Levite's story.  It's unclear which part of the man's story is the source of their anger and agitation but they do feel justified to wage war against the Benajmites.  It appears to be a holy war of sorts against evil.  What's interesting to me are the spiritual themes which have returned to the text.  The Israelites gather together and assemble "before the Lord."  They inquire of the Lord several times during the battles and God answers them.  In the end, they give Yahweh credit for the victory over the Benjamites. 

Israel has drifted far from God.  They have engaged in deplorable things and allowed idolatry to be regular part of their world.  In so many ways, they seem to have forgotten the ways of the one true God.  And yet, here we see they haven't totally forgotten God.  When crisis hits, when tragedy strikes, they remember who they are.  Aren't we the same way?

Let's pray...Lord Jesus, Help us remember who we are in times of crisis and times of joy.  Help us live like your children and point others to your love.  In Your Name, Amen.