Episode Details

Today's reading covers Judges 19 and Proverbs 16:5–8, one of the darkest chapters in the book of Judges. The reflection follows a Levite's journey with his concubine and the horrifying events that unfold in Gibeah, set against the recurring refrain that "there was no king in Israel." We don't shy away from the text, describing genuine distress at its content and talk honestly about the concubinage of the period as a departure from God's design. Lastly, we  regret the Levite's failure to protect, and long for the hope of justice that only comes through Christ in the face of such lawlessness.

Proverbs 16:5–8 shifts to matters of the heart and integrity. Arrogance is named an abomination to the Lord that will not go unpunished, while steadfast love, faithfulness, and the fear of the Lord are what turn a person from evil. When someone's ways please the Lord, even their enemies are brought to peace with them, and the passage closes with the reminder that a little gained righteously is better than great wealth gained through injustice. We reflect back to living with integrity in ordinary work and business as a way of honoring God and leaving behind a godly legacy.

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