It all started with a little boy and itchy skin, which is honestly the worst way for anything to begin. He was my little brother, two years old at the time, and as the scratching continued, it became clear the cause was more than an irritation from running around in the grass or an aggravated mosquito bite. Still, my parents applied hydrocortisone cream and hoped for the best, leaving a message for the pediatrician to call in the morning.
But overnight, I, too, began to scratch my skin, and red bumps proved the cause to be more than an allergy to something we’d eaten for dinner the night before. By morning, my mom was also itchy which was the final straw to explain our fate: chicken pox.
So there we were, all three of us, left to schedule back-to-back oatmeal baths, share anti-itch cream, take turns complaining, and inconvenience our one remaining caretaker, my father. To think this all started with a little boy and itchy skin.
Israel was quick to assume sin was a “someone else” problem, and if I’m being honest, I’m often guilty of doing the same. The crime at Gibeah? Certainly it was someone else’s fault. Surely, the people of Benjamin were the only ones who didn’t have it all together, and war needed to be waged against them to make everything right.
But first, God used the war against Benjamin to point out the ways Israel, too, was infected with sin. While these accounts are difficult to take in and unfold like a horror story, they all play a part in God reminding His children what happens when they forget Him and rely only on what they can see. Everyone was doing what appeared to be right in their own eyes, and that led to death and destruction.
The Israelites’ first defeat at the hands of the badly outnumbered Benjaminites caused them to weep before the Lord and inquire of Him if they should attack again the next day. It wasn’t until their second failure that they turned to fasting and making sacrifices for their sins. It’s dangerous to keep on living in sickness, but unfortunately, many times it takes something truly terrible to recognize the destructiveness of sin.
Judges 20 isn’t necessarily something you’d want to write on your dry erase board or commit to needlepoint, but it’s significant to the heartbeat of humanity. It’s been said that sometimes, to receive the depth of the good news, we must first be able to swallow the bad. And yet, here is my favorite part of this passage: God answered the Israelites, despite their sin. When they asked questions, no matter how infected their souls were, He answered. And that is the God we serve.
We may waver from Him and, for a time, commit to our own selfish ways, but by the grace of God, His commitment is to the changing of hearts. Our stories will all end with our sinful selves redeemed by the faithful Father. Thanks be to Him.
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41 thoughts on "War Against Benjamin"
My mother has mid stage dementia and through everything she knows she is a child of God! She may not remember a lot but if that she is always sure of!
I am praying for you right now Teresa.
Praying for you Teresa! ❤️
Teresa, may God be with you & give you comfort & a peaceful mind. God is the ultimate healer!
May God heal you and praying for you
Tina—just saw your post from yesterday. I’m praying for you today from one mother’s heart to another. I’m a member of that same club unfortunately. I don’t know where I’d be without God in my life.
Praying for you this morning Teresa from Florida.
I am praying Teresa! He holds you!
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Lifting you up in prayer this morning Teresa ❤️
@Teresa DONLEY – praying for you, your procedure to go quickly and the people who are working with you. You are strong and the lord has you.
Happy Thursday ladies!! Praying for you all! Finally getting caught up after the glitch in the app. My family and I are heading to Minnesota tomorrow for the Vikings game this weekend for my dads birthday! If you’ve been around awhile you know how special my dads birthday is. Praying for you all today.
I would like to ask for prayer on Friday. I will be having a spinal tap to help determine if I have Alzheimer’s or Lewey Body Disease. I’m nervous about the test itself. I will have to spend 24 hours flat on my back. The doctor said it will take several weeks to get the results back because it has to be sent to the lab at the Mayo Clinic. Please pray that the test goes well tomorrow with no complications, and pray for the time I will have to stay in bed. I think this might be a good time to listen to the Bible rather than try to hold it. Also, please pray for accurate results from the test, and guidance on what will happen from here. I’m scared to death of having any form of dementia. My biggest fear is forgetting my family, especially my daughter and grandchildren. And I pray that I’m able to know that I am a Child of God, no matter what else I might forget. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
Thanks for your prayers Shes. Update: I had to close the account, open a new one, and file a police report. 1 – 6 months, we will need to wait for funds to be restored either by the thief, his bank, or our bank. Fun times.
On a lighter note LUCY ROBERTSON how do you get two smile emojis to get through!?
Thankful for God’s grace and commitment to the work of changing our hearts. Some mornings I wake up and have a particular hymn already singing in my head. Today it was O’ Thou Fount of Every Blessing running on a continuous loop. It feels like a gift from God to start my day this way. Most times it’s a song that is useful to the day. Haven’t posted this week. Trying to complete a remodeling project and prepare for resuming babysitting responsibilities of two grandchildren next week. DIL maternity leave is ending. A little nervous adding an infant into my routine with the 3yr old. It’s a good problem to have… just have to be patient with myself in adjusting to a new normal.
Today’s reading was so tough. I was really sobbing. The lamentations just made my heart burst because of the great great suffering of the children of disobedient. Did they know? Have they not been cautioned? God is to be feared, greatly to be feared. Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong (Exodus 23:2). Please never never follow the crowd in wrong doing, please keep ourselves diligently in the fear of the Lord, even though that means we sit alone, we eat alone, frowned upon, gossiped at. STILL… it’s better than reaping the consequences we read today. My heart broke! Will we trade the company of ONE for the approval of the crowd? What’s shocking is God will not spare evil, the Lord approved civil wars to happen for the purging of evil within Israel. How much more today? The wage of sin is truly death. I was brought to these verses after reading today’s awful consequences, “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before Him” (Ecclesiastes 8:11-12). May the fear of the Lord keep us and sustain us, our families and children within the paths of righteousness, so mercy and goodness will follow us all the days of our lives.
Prayers lift up, KELLY NEO (so sorry, praying Proverbs 6:31 over you, and the peace that surpasses understanding), TINA & TRACI (grace, strength and love for your dear hearts), CEE GEE (hope you feel better), LEXI B (dear friend, so sorry, may God’s will be done and directions are given), FOSTER MAMA (was thinking of you lately, prayers that all is going well with you and your babies). Praying over all our sweet she’s and your precious families for good health, sound mind, unwavering hope and fixed eyes/attention on our Lord as we march forth, wading through the darkness of this world, leaning on Him, wiping tears, but also praising and dancing, for the Lord is always faithful to those who seek Him.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Something SEARCHING said about “if only.” If only they had unified in the beginning and cleared out all their enemies from the Promised Land like God commanded….reminded me about “if only” Adam and Eve would have obeyed the command from God about the forbidden fruit instead of listening to the manipulative lies of Satan…
If only we all obeyed the original command instead of listening and giving weight to the lies, and landing ourselves in the age old cycle of Rebellion->Oppression->Cry For Help->Rescue->Peace. Someday it will actually end with PEACE. Come, Lord Jesus.
Praying for my dear fellow She’s today. Only one more day of the “bad news” before dwelling on the “GOOD” as we finish out 2023.
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It was behind yesterday but it’s right today in day 25. We have 3 days left and begin Give Thanks on Monday, Nov. 13. I’m so ready for this as Judges has been a hard read and I’m ready for a whole lot of hope infusion!☺️☺️
I’m so thankful for all you sisters in Christ together in the Word every morning!
What stood out to me the most in todays reading was the Israelites were “United” v.8 v 11 to “purge evil” from Isreal (getting back on track with Gods plan is what first came to mind). Then of course not only did they inquire of God v.18 v23 and v 27 but they OBEYED!!! If I’m being honest I “inquire” of God pretty regularly but it’s the obeying part that I struggle with. Lord keep me anchored to you so that my obedience becomes second nature. Lifting up each of your prayers today! Happy Thursday She’s!
❤️ KELLY (NEO)
TINA – sending much ❤️ love for all that you have shared and a warm hug from me as you think of your daughter held in Jesus’s embrace!
I can’t formulate a comment on this reading today. Love your insights and sharing.
The title of the song Teresa mentioned reminded me of another old son, SHINE, JESUS, SHINE. Here is the first verse with refrain.
Lord, the light of your love is shining
In the midst of the darkness, shining
Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us
Set us free by the truth you now bring us
Shine on me, shine on me
Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light!
Shine, Jesus shine
Shine, Jesus shine
SEARCHING – I echo your prayer! ❤
SEARCHING, SHARON, JERSEY GIRL, MICHELLE PATIRE, RHONDA J, LYNNE FROM ALABAMA and ALL SHES praying for me – Thank you for your continued prayers. I am improving a little more each day. Ready to be up and about again! Hugs to y’all!
TINA – So glad you had family time yesterday and I didn’t realize it had been19 years. God bless your sweet heart! BTW – I, too, had to deal with a neighbor about an issue with our dogs. I understand your dragging your feet and glad you got a reprieve! Love ya, sister!
KELLY NEO- I have been praying since I saw your post last night that your funds will be restored and the culprit apprehended and charged. So sorry you are having to deal with this!
KELLY (NEO) — I pray that you will receive peace of mind, peace that surpasses understanding re: the theft (violation) and the politics…all of it. Praying for a simple solution with your bank.
VICTORIA E – ❤️(praying hands)✝️
It’s so yucky to see those far from Jesus seem to prosper and it can be hard sometimes to hold fast to all Scripture / God says about this and them… praying a flood of peace and joy over you this day.
SHES – praying for each of you.
(I SO appreciate the bullets and summaries of prayer requests on the past Friday and the weekend ❣️❣️)
TINA – I am in that place. My SIL has some pretty bad behavior and the family recognizes it. Unfortunately it ate at me and I said something to her. She didn’t respond well, kept justify her behavior which in turn I said some things in anger. Ugh..I have struggled with, “do I say something?” or “do I let it go?”. I did tell her all was good and it was out in the open now. So hard to know what to do at times. I’m waiting on the nudging from God to let me know…
Judges is a hard read, but I like the reminder of acting in sin. We all do it, but yet we all want to be better.
It’s so difficult for me to understand how harsh God can be. We had a prayer service for me Tuesday & we believe God healed me!  Yahweh is good all the time! We believe in the healing power of the Holy Spirit & his divine timing.
Tina…. sweet sister❤️. I’m giving you a hug across the pond.
Brother fighting against brother, it’s very sad but that’s what happens when we forget God and choose to live our way and in our sin. Pride, jealousy, wanting more, wanting what I can’t have – it will all lead to destruction. But – by the grace of God! It is He who changes our hearts.
Praise God for His mercy, love, forgiveness and for sending His Son to redeem us from our sin. The story isn’t over yet. God is on the throne and one day we will be living in His presence for ever and ever. “Our stories will all end with our sinful selves redeemed by the faithful Father. Thanks be to Him.” ~ “The one who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20
@CeeGee – praying that you are feeling better soon and completely recovered.
@Kelly Neo – so sorry to hear what happened! Praying the bank will be able to recover all your funds and that the culprit will be caught.
@Lexi B – praying for you as you process your healing from this toxic church and for all your dear friends that you left behind, repentance for those causing the troubles & healing for all.
Have a blessed Thursday all my sister She’s and always remember – Jesus is our living hope! ❤️
Praying @Kelly Neo, that God will restore. I am not sure what bank you have, but I find banks these days are pretty good about these sorts of issues. I’ve had my bank restore a sum of money taken without my approval from a messy situation a few years ago.. they restored the money right away – out of their own pocket.
@Cee Gee- praying you continue to see improvement in your health and the Lord be near to you :)
@Aleida – thinking of you and Victor, today. May the Lord bring you peace as you trust in Him to care for your son. May He continue to speak hope over your family despite the circumstance you see with your eyes… May you live by faith and not sight. But may the Lord show you He hears and sees.
Praying God’s love and peace to you all!!
I am leading a book club with some friends on The Screwtape Letters and it is so enlightening to read and think and discuss the tactics that our Enemy uses to turn us from God. Many times those tactics are slow and subtle and hardly even noticeable. but eventually, the evil and sinfulness becomes so obvious it can’t be ignored, even by those who don’t follow the Lord. We are there now in Judges and we are there now in our World. As it has been said before, sometimes the darkness has to get SO dark for the LIGHT to shine through. Praying for my heart to stay turned toward God so that LIGHT and TRUTH shine through me.
♥️
The Levite neglected to show his part in the death of his concubine. Don’t I do the same… downplaying my part in the sins of today? I was convicted of this in the Romans reading too. So my part in sins were bookended today… in the beginning of Judges and then the last reading for the day.
Lord, help me realize MY part in the sins of today and remind me to repent because You love me.
He loves all of us, sweet sisters.❤️ Remember that in all your trials today, loved ones. (There are so many today and yesterday.)
I was reminded of the day I put my foot down in disobedience to the Lord!
I point blank refused to go back and apologise to a couple whom I had had an altercation with over our dogs.
For days I refused, citing my rights and my grievances…
BUT GOD..
He kept nudging me to go and apologise.
I gave in days later, still defiant that I shouldn’t be apologising, but if God came with me I would do it!
All the way to the ‘opponents’ I was saying to God, you’d better be with me or I’m not doing this..
Got to the opponents home, asked for them to be told, ” ..they are on holiday”
BUT GOD..
This, I know now, was nothing to do with my altercation, or anything else.. it was to do with obiedience, obiedience to the One who always has, will always have my best interest at heart..
I may have been selfishly stubborn and downright disobedient..
BUT GOD..
As KAITLIN has said..His commitment is to the changing of hearts..
AMEN..
Thursday blessings wrapped lovingly in hugs..❤️
The app is still a day behind. I don’t know why. We have one day left before we move on to Thanksgiving 2023 study (Give Thanks).
The Israelites knew the right thing to do – obey the Lord – but refused time and again to be faithful to Him. KELLY (NEO) pointed out the problem that has followed the Israelites even to this day – “If they had worked together to eradicate the evil from the land as they were told to do …” If only. We as well know the right thing to do. The effects of disobedience can be far reaching. Lord, I pray for wisdom in my words, actions, attitude and choices.
CEE GEE – praying you are improving still. The challenge questions you shared yesterday – thank you. And I know that song! I can picture and hear in my mind right now – the girl from church that sang it in the early 70’s (The King is Coming).
ADRIENNE – praying the Lord’s comfort and strength for Leo’s family in the tragedy with his uncle. Thankful to hear Leo himself is continuing to improve.
LEXI B – praying for comfort and guidance
TERESA DONLEY – love that song (Come Jesus Come)
TINA – dear sister, didn’t realize that yesterday day was your daughter’s Remembrance Day. Love you, sister! Thankful you were able to spend time with family, and thank you for sharing your (and her) story – your testimony is powerful ❤️
KELLY (NEO) – oh my goodness!! praying for peace, wisdom and guidance! And that your bank’s fraud department restores your funds swiftly, and that law enforcement catches the thief. ❣️
Father that we always see Your good. In Jesus name, Amen
I echo the comments about being “over” the book of Judges. It’s been… a lot. I see why people prefer the NT over the Old. But I think about our own country and our own history… lots of yucky stuff in there too. And we can’t ignore it or whitewash it. We have to acknowledge it and learn from it, lest we repeat the same mistakes. It’s the same with the history of Judges. It’s rough, but serves as a lesson to all of us as to what can happen when there is no King (Jesus) ruling our lives.
Say a prayer against the germs. It seems that all the students are getting sick these days!
KELLY (NEO) – the WORST! Lifting you up in prayer today, for clear steps to resolution, helpful hands to work on your behalf, peace of mind that God has the situation in hand. Ugh.
Although today’s reading wasn’t as difficult for me as yesterday, it was still tough. The devotion helped me remember that there has to be bad in order for the good to be appreciated (paraphrasing) and the HRT devotional also said that we shouldn’t expect a world without sin and death and war. Still not a pleasant read but necessary to keep my eyes on Jesus.
Kelly NEO praying for resolution for your situation.
Hang in there Shes, we are almost through the book of Judges. It has been a bumpy ride, but as Kaitlin said above “to receive the depth of the good news, we must first be able to swallow the bad.”
Israel “assembled as one body before the Lord at Mizpah”
So the woman’s assault and death by the Benjaminites is what it took to unite the other 11 tribes to turn to God and seek Him. If they had worked together to eradicate the evil from the land as they were told to do, they would not have had to eradicate it from within.
Such a picture of how clean never rubs off on dirty.
Appreciate your prayers. I’m hoping the bank will retore our funds. I’m praying the one who stole our money will be found. (sigh)
Amen
KELLY NEO… Holding your prayer request up to the Lord and prayerful this worry can be resolved ans sorted in no time. Prayerful also that your heart will know His peace until you have spoken to someone.. sending hugs so wrapped in prayers across the pond, dear friend.❤️