Do what is right in your own eyes - Judges 17-21

The theme of this section is stated in 17:6 and 21:25: "In those days there was no king in Israel, everyone did what was right in his own eyes." One reason these words are written and placed in this book is to set up the call for a King in the upcoming book, First Samuel. Another reason these words are here, however, is to show us what happens when the people God forsake God and decide to live on the outside of His laws and His plan. God, through Moses and Joshua, had given the nation all the guidelines they needed. Instead, absent a ruler-leader, they simply did what they wanted to do. The story of Micah and the Danites is the perfect story of the life and times during the Judges (17-18). Micah wanted his own priest so he bought one. The Danites wanted their own priest so they stole one. Micah is lost once his "god" is taken from him (18:24). This is the story of Judges. As the section unfolds the story of avenging the Levite from Ephraim's concubine provides further evidence of a deteriorating society. Rather than follow the spirit of the Law men were doing whatever they wanted and to whoever the wanted: Doing what was right in their own eyes. There is much to learn in these chapters in regard to what happens when we cease to follow God's commands and make it up as we go along. God has given us commands and ordinances for us to treat others with respect and to honor His holiness. When we fail to consider His ways we can fall into a depth of corruption unimaginable. The next time we want to do things our own way let's remember the stories of Micah and the Levite from Ephraim. Or, simply do what is right in our own eyes and see where that leads us.