Without a King
Series: Right in God's Eyes
September 24, 2023
Frank Foreman
As we move to the concluding chapters of the book of Judges we find stories that are more disturbing to view and discuss. In this final section, the repeated use of the phrase, "..there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes," emphasized the godlessness of the people even further. ---------- The responsibility of a king was to be a leader of his people in battle, guiding them in victory over their enemies. The king was also to be a leader of his people by inspiring them to do and the follow what was right. ---------- The issue for Israel was not that they needed a king like the nations around them--those kings selfishly thirsted for power and wealth and led their people into idolatry and paganism--instead they needed to follow the king they already had. Unfortunately, they swore no allegiance and commitment to the King who had led them in victory over their enemies, providing protection for them, taught them what was right, etc. They were becoming "kings over themselves." Thus, they lived according to the principle of "it's right and just because I say it is right and just."
Episode Notes
Exodus 15:25b-26, There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your Healer.”
Proverbs 14:34 (NLT), Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Big Idea: Doing whatever is “right in our own eyes” leads to great trouble.
1. Without a King we turn to idolatry.
(Journal) Judges 17:1-6
1st John 2:15-16, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
2. Without a King we rely on rituals.
(Journal) Judges 17:7-13
John 4:24, God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
3. Without a King we make wrong decisions.
(Journal) Judges 18:1-31
Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Exodus 15:25b-26, There the LORD made for them a statute and a rule, and there He tested them, saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in His eyes, and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, your Healer.”
Next Step:
- Listen to the voice of the Lord.
- Do what is right in His eyes.
- Give ear to His commandments.
- Keep all His statutes.
What are examples from your own life of thinking you
could do certain things to get God’s blessings?
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