MORAL PERVERSION IN GIBEAH

MEMORY VERSE: “Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at door , and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him” (Judges 19:22)

TEXT: Judges 19: 1-30

CAUSES OF PERVERSION AND CATALYSTS OF A PEACEFUL SOCIELTY

The account of the tragic and heinous wickedness perpetrated by “certain sons of Belial” in Gibeah in the text mirrors the extent of moral degeneracy in the town. Bereft of the Spirit of God and emboldened by the absence of governmental sanctions, there is hardly any depth of depravity sinners cannot descend to. Gang-raping a woman to death in Gibeah was a result of the prevalence of violent crimes and absence of leadership to curtail people’s excesses in Israel. A peaceful society is achieved when the character of individual citizens changes positively and the law is upheld and enforced by its leadership. However, some citizens still break the law and damn the consequence even in societies where it is dreaded. This highlights the need for genuine transformation of heart and life, which can only happen through commitment of believers to preaching the soul-saving gospel (James 5:20). The Scripture also enjoins believers to contribute to orderliness in the society by “submitting to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors…” (1 Peter 2:13, 14).

Questions 1: Why should believers promote orderliness in the society and how can this be done?

 

1. THE DANGERS OF PARENTAL INDULGENCE AND IMPIETY

Judges 19:2; Proverbs 22:6; Ezekiel 16:44, 45; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Luke 6:42

PERMISSIVENESS AND ATTENDANT EVILS

At the root of the horrifying events in our study is the singular act of rebellion of the concubine against her husband and disobedience to the word of God. Concubines are second-rate wives permitted among the Jews in the Old Testament (Genesis 25:5,6; 22:24). In this particular case, parental indulgence seemed to have encouraged this woman in evil. :And his concubine played the whore against  him, and went away from him unto her father’s house… and was there four whole months” (verse 2).. It is sad that her acts of whoredom did not meet with any action expressive of resentment or rebuke from her father. No doubt, the knowledge that her father would condone her immorality and receive her into his home after such abominable acts must have encouraged her sinful life. Parents, in most cases, cannot be exonerated from the vices in their children’s character.

Question 2: Explain the importance of bringing up our children in a godly way.

Since one cannot impart what one does not have, it is necessary for parents to be born again, and so be enabled to live upright lives before their children.

 

2.          THE DEFINITE BENEFITS OF FORGIVENESS AND RECONCILIATION

Judges 19: 3-9; Matthew 18:21,22; Romans 5:8; 12:17, 18; Mark 11:25; Acts 24:16; Ezekiel 16:49

FORGIVENESS ENJOINED

There are some commendable character traits in the life of the Levite. “And her husband arose and went after her, to speak friendly unto her and to bring her again…” Though he was not in any way responsible for her action, he did not wait for some expression of contrition and apology before considering any form of reprieve for her. He forgave her even before she thought of reconciliation. Forgiveness of personal wrongs and reconciliation are accorded great prominence in the gospel of Christ. To Peter’s question: “Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?”, the Lord answered, “I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but until seventy times seven”. The word of God precludes us from retaliation in matters of personal wrongs, and commands us to forgive those who offend us. “Recompense to no man evil for evil”, and “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:17,18). Obedience to these Scriptures leads us to forgiveness and reconciliation with those who offended us. The blessing of obedience to these precepts for both the offended and the offender include peace of mind, better health, greater security and possibility of a lasting friendship in place of anger, suspicion, rancor and strife.

Question 3: What are the benefits of forgiveness and reconciliation?

Retaining offences in our hearts hinders us from receiving forgiveness from God and answers to our prayers. Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25).  

Questions 4: What is restitution and what is its importance in preventing offences and fostering a lasting reconciliation?

3. THE DESPICABLE PERVERSION OF THE MEN OF GIBEAH

Judges 19:10-30; Proverbs 21:31; Psalm 3:5; 4:8; Acts 27:10-14; 1 Peter4:9; Romans 1:21-24

LAWLESSNESS KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES

The Levite and his company eventually departed and “came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem …”. By the time they arrived Jebus, the sun was about to set. His servant therefore suggested that they pass the night in the city of the Jebusites. The Levite preferred to reach a city of Israel (Gibeah) rather than turn aside into “a city of strangers”. He assumed (and reasonably too) that greater safety awaited them in a city of Israel than elsewhere. Their unexpected experience teaches that safety is of the Lord even in a most secured place because the devil and evil men lurk everywhere (Proverbs 21:31). While not totally discarding our human carefulness, effort and informed judgment, we must never rely on these only. We must “trust in the Lord with all [our] heart; and lean not unto [our] own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). The most knowledgeable of men still needs divine guidance in those matters which, in human judgment, are of seeming certainty. By relying on their knowledge and experience, the ship owner and his crew barely escaped death when they ignored Apostle Paul’s spirit-inspired counsel that their voyage to Rome would be with hurt and much damage (Acts 27:10,11).

Question 5: Why do we still need to pray even in matters which outcome or forecast seems certain? (1Sam.23:1-13)

 

HOSPITALITY

The warm reception given to the Levite and his company by the old man is worth mentioning. Such hospitality is commanded by the word of God. We are enjoined to “use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9) and not be “forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares”.

ABOMINATION

“Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at door , and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him”. These words are reminiscent of the encounter between Lot, the angels and the homosexuals of Sodom (Genesis 19: 4-11). It is almost inconceivable that a group of men so vile, profane and perverted could be found in Israel. It shows that sin and wickedness know no national or racial boundary. It is only Christ that makes the difference.

 

Question 6: What spiritual condition lies at the root of homosexuality, lesbianism and such lewd perversions? What is the way out? (Romans 1:21-24).

Men’s mind and personality are affected when they abandon God. The word of God makes it clear that homosexuality and lesbianism are abomination (Leviticus 18:22), and self-defilement (1 Timothy 1:10). Those who practice them are excluded from the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). Any individual, society or government that indulges or gives approval to these abominable practices will court God’s wrath. However, if they return to God in repentance through Christ, They will be healed and restored (Hosea 6:1). Blinded by their perverted passion, the “men of Belial” were deaf to all the entreaty of the old man to spare his guest. “And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into mine house, do not this folly.” In his importunity, he went to the extent of offering both his daughter and the Levite released his concubine to the perverted men. This offer is condemnable as it amounts to appeasing a sinner with another sin, “or doing evil that good may come”.

 

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

Refrain:
Ask the Saviour to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.

Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in rev’rence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kind-hearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

 

To him that o’ercometh, God giveth a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He’ll carry you through.

 

I AM READY FOR SERVICE

Listen to the Master's pleading,
There is urgent work for all;
Heed the Spirit's interceding,
Give this answer to the call:

Chorus
I am ready for service for Thee, dear Lord,
Here am I, send me,
I am willing to be what you'd have me be,
I will go where you want me to go

I am ready for service for Thee, dear Lord,
Here am I, send me,
Though the pathway seems dark for Thee I'll do or die,
I am ready for service, Lord.

Verse 2
There's a voice to you now calling,
Will you heed the earnest word?
On the ear 'tis gently falling,
Give this answer to your Lord.

Verse 3
Many souls in sin are dying;
Haste to help them while you may,
For the time is swiftly flying,
Will you now to Jesus say?