Judges 20

ScriptureJudges 20:26-28²⁶ Then all the Israelites, the whole army, went up to Bethel, and there they sat weeping before the Lord. They fasted that day until evening and presented burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to the Lord. ²⁷ And the Israelites inquired of the Lord. (In those days the ark of the covenant of God was there, ²⁸ with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, ministering before it.) They asked, “Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites, or not?”The Lord responded, “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”Observation

Although this is the 3^rd time they were coming before the Lord and preparing for battle, it was the first time that they 1) fasted, 2) presented burnt offerings and 3) presented fellowship offerings to the Lord.  His response was “Go, for tomorrow I will give them into your hands.”

UnderstandingIt almost seems as if the Israelites made their own plan and came to God for His stamp of approval instead of seeking His counsel as to what they should do. When the Israelites heard of what had happened – the thoughtless murder of the concubine, they knew something needed to be done.  They desired justice.  But (and this is a big but!) they did not seek God first.  They came together and devised a plan, THEN came to God…and, in doing so, they missed the mark.Even when our hearts are in the right place, we must seek God first. 

In verse 18, they ask

“’Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Benjamites?’The Lord replied, ‘Judah shall go first.’”But while they are asking the Lord for direction and He does answer, it appears as if the plan itself was of men.  The end result?  Twenty-two thousand men are struck down.In verse 23, again they ask God“Shall we go up again to fight against the Benjamites, our fellow Israelites?”The Lord answered, “Go up against them.”Again, he answers and provides direction…and 18,000 men are struck down.But the third time they come around, they truly SEEK God.  They take time to fast.  They honor him with burnt offerings.  They offer up fellowship offering.  And this time God says he will give the Benjamites over to them.God desires to be first and only.From seeking God first (Matthew 6:33)…to giving of our first fruits (Prov. 3:9-10)…to the first two commandments…Exodus 20:3-5³ “You shall have no other gods before^[a] me.⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,God makes it very clear where He wants to be prioritized in our lives.  And, just like he did in vs. 28, he promises to provide and deliver – whether it’s victory in a battle, overflowing barns (Prov 3:9-10), clothes to wear and food to eat (Matt. 6:33).God’s promise remains the same – He will provide. Life ApplicationGod, thank you for your jealous heart!  Thank you for your desire for relationship with us – you children.  Thank you for your provision.  May I remember in proper order the priorities that lead to that provision, that fulfillment…ultimately, putting you first.  May I take time to seek your counsel in my daily decisions – both big and small – and always hold space for what you desire to do through them.  May I be used by you today – to right injustices, to make your name known, to show your kindness and love…and, ultimately, to draw others near to you.  In your name I pray, Amen. To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei