In those days Israel had no king.
a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah...was unfaithful...and went back to her father's house...
After...four months...her husband went to her to persuade her to return...he remained three days eating and drinking...on the fourth day...his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed...on the fifth day...Wait till afternoon...Spend the night...stay and enjoy...the man left...The sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin.
They went and sat in the city square, but no one took them into his home for the night...some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house, "Bring out the man who came to yur house so we can have sex with him."
The owner of the house went outside and said to them, "No,...here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But to this man, don't do such a disgraceful thing."
When her master got up in the morning and opened the door of the house and stepped out to continue on his way, there lay his concubine, fallen in the doorway of the house.
When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel.
Now surrender those wicked men of Gilbeath so that we may put them to death and purge the evil from Israel.
The Benjamites would not listen...
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 of fire.
From Judges 19-20 NIV
So much happens in these readings. One could focus on; harmony in the home, how many gals would leave or how many guys would wait four months to look for their sweetie in a happy home; wearing out a welcome as a house guest; starting the day early; depravity; revenge; one death covering all of Israel; perhaps other events; or even how events can cascade from a minor thing to a war between tribes or nations.
Just think how the cascade flowed and how one early change in action or behavior might change the outcome of events. Had an earlier trek to the concubine, or had an earlier departure from the father-in-law's home been made; perhaps a halt in the cascade to war would be read about today. The late afternoon departure did not allow for time to reach the destination and put the travelers in an unfortunate situation. This act of procrastination ultimately caused many their life.
How often do we procrastinate? What are the results of our procrastination? Are they good results? Or, are the results not good like late charges on bills, overdrafts, engine failures from lack of regular maintenence, discord at work or home, or other? Do you procrastinate when it comes to telling the story? Remember time is short, hell is hot and souls are at stake!
What kinds of things do you not do promptly or procrastinate on? Do you procrastinate on giving thanks and praise to family members, associates, or, to God?
What kinds of evil need to be purged from your life?
Pray for strength, courage, wisdom and insight to see and do the tasks given to us in a timely manner.
In Christ,
David P
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