Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Judges 17-21

I am glad to finally be done with the book of Judges because … oof. Honestly, some of the Old Testament stories feel like they should come with a trigger warning. They show just how broken and sinful the world can become when people turn away from God.

For a little context, the Book of Judges takes place after Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land but before Israel had kings. During this time, God raised up judges—leaders chosen to deliver Israel from enemies and guide them back to Him. However, the people repeatedly fell into a cycle: they would turn away from God, suffer the consequences of their sin, cry out for help, and then God would raise up a judge to rescue them. Sadly, the cycle kept repeating over and over. They took God’s grace and mercy for granted when they should have been treating him as King.

Near the end of Judges, a phrase appears several times that explains what is happening in Israel:

“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” -Judges 17:6

“In those days Israel had no king…” -Judges 18:1

“In those days Israel had no king…” -Judges 19:1

“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” -Judges 21:25

These verses frame the end of Judges and highlight the theme of the entire book: when people abandon God’s authority and guidance, sin and disorder follow.

God gave humanity free will, and throughout Judges we see people using that freedom to do whatever they thought was right in their own eyes. Honestly, the same as a lot of the world today. We live in a world filled with sin, and we all have the ability to make choices that are not always pleasing to the Lord. In reality, so much pain and chaos could be avoided if we would repent, turn away from sin, and live the life God has planned for us. Of course, we know that is easier said than done.

From the very beginning humanity has struggled with sin. Since Genesis, God already knew He would one day send His Son as the sacrifice to atone for our sins. Even knowing our failures and shortcomings, He still loves us.

Free will has gotten humanity into trouble from the start. Yet people still convince themselves that living however they want, following their heart or trusting their gut instead of trusting God, will lead them to what they truly want in life. While living that way may bring temporary happiness, it will eventually bring eternal damnation.

I recently saw a friend repost something funny that said the reason women can never decide what to eat is because “the first choice got us into a world of trouble.” Obviously, it was a joke about Eve choosing the fruit in the garden. But even in humor there is truth: choices carry weight, and choices that go against God’s commands come with consequences.

I can certainly see that in my own life. I have made, and still do make, choices that don’t align with God’s will; I have felt the results of those decisions. The good news is this: it is never too late to repent, turn away from sin, and walk back toward the Lord! He loves each of us so much!

Discussion Questions

1. After reading Judges 17–21, what stood out to you the most and why?
2. How do the events in Judges 17–21 show what happens when people follow their own judgment instead of God’s commands?
3. How can we guard our hearts from drifting into the same pattern Israel did by replacing God’s authority with their own opinions?

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