Sunday: Micah’s Idols: Judges 17:1-13
The episode of Micah illustrates the low moral standards, the perverted religious practices, and the chaotic social order of Israel during the period of the judges. If God’s word and sound moral principles are disregarded, both individuals and society as a whole will be destroyed. Everyone did as he saw fit. (Proverbs 14:34)
Monday: Danites Settle in Laish: Judges 18:1-17
Corruption in the home will eventually spread to society; in this case, it spread to a whole tribe. False doctrine is like yeast; it grows quietly in secret and affects everything it touches. The Danites had claimed their inheritance, but the enemy’s invasion had forced them to relocate. Had the tribes stayed true to God, the enemy would not have dispossessed them, and they could have enjoyed their inheritance. (Joshua 19:40-48; Galatians 5:7-9)
Tuesday: Self-serving Priest: Judges 18:18-31
The prominence given to the Levite priest emphasizes that not only the people but also the sacred ministry had become corrupt. This priest was willing to serve as priest of other gods solely for money and position.
Wednesday: A Levite & His Concubine: Judges 19:1-15
This event reveals how depraved and immoral some in Israel had become after they turned from God. The Levite gave his wife over to rape and death in order to save himself. Some Israelites became homosexuals, rapists and murderers. (Hosea 9:9; 10:9)
Thursday: Sexual Perversion: Judges 19:16-31
Scripture views homosexuality and lesbianism as one of the end results of God’s rejection of a perverse person or people. If not repented of, homosexuality will lead to a depraved mind and may produce the kind of brutality described there. (Romans 1:28; 2 Timothy 3:2)
Friday: Israelites Fight the Benjamites: Judges 20:1-48
The Benjamites sympathized more with the evil individuals, indicating the loss of moral sensitivity and loyalty to God and His Word. God’s judgment on them was certain. (Matthew 12:30; 1 Corinthians 5:1)
Saturday: Everyone Did as He Saw Fit: Judges 21:1-25
The book of Judges ends by emphasizing that during the time of the judges, the Israelites ignored God’s standards for them and did what was right in their own judgment. Human thoughts and opinions are a poor judgment of what is right. To make our opinions rather than God’s Word the guide for our lives is nothing less than rebellion against him. (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; Nehemiah 9:26, 31)