Judges 16-18 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

OBSERVATION

• Chapter 16 continues the story of Samson with his downfall – literally. In his last act of extraordinary strength, he brings down the games coliseum killing 1000s of Philistines along with himself.
• The narrative then moves to a man named Micah who hired a wandering Levite to be the priest for his household; this Levite is then enticed by a group of people who were called Danites (from the tribe of Dan) to be the priest for their entire tribe. He agrees and brings the hand-made gods with him.

 
INTERPRETATION

• See yesterday’s blog for Chris Barnes’ article on comparing Samson and Jesus. Chapter 16 describes the predictable end of Samson while Jesus lives on today and for eternity. How much better to choose Jesus.
• Why are we told about Micah’s story? It seems to be another depiction of how far the Israelites have fallen from the Torah. Although they recognized that Levites were somehow special and were often priests, they could not even recognize that they were breaking the first few commandments in worshipping human-made gods rather than the One True God!

 
APPLICATION

• It is clear that we are greatly influenced by our present-day society with its plurality of faiths, of values, and “politically correct” behaviour. How can we possibly know what is truth and what is lies? How can we filter out the lies?
• God has given the Israelites a “filter” to discern truth; the Torah Law is the standard.
• What is our filter? It is the Law to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbours. In order to apply truth, we need to learn who God is. In order to live the truth, we need the power of the Holy Spirit within us and the knowledge of God in our minds and hearts.
• (Let’s be careful to not judge others’ hearts without asking God to clear our own hearts.)

 
QUESTION

• How are you filtering out the lies from the truth? Are you building a “grid” that enables you to test the truth according to God’s Law and God’s Word?

 
PRAYER
Lord Jesus we invite your Holy Spirit to show us the truth and to enable us to throw aside the lies. As we turn our face towards you, give us grace so we might serve you whole-heartedly in love and in truth.
 
SONG –– Whatsoever things are true.