The Letter and the Spirit of the Law
Judges 21:12-21
Synopsis Judges 21:12-21 7/28/2018
The Israelite leaders gave the Benjaminite warriors who survived the annihilation of the tribe, wives from the unmarried women of Jabesh-gilead. However, the Israelite leaders soon realized that their solution was inadequate.
So they sent messengers to the Benjaminite survivors. The messengers instructed them to set an ambush in the vineyards of Shiloh. The leaders permitted the Benjaminites to catch wives from amongst the young women who were attending the annual feast before the Lord.
The Letter and the Spirit of the Law
Their rashly made, yet solemn vow had trapped them. So, their intent was to find a way to circumvent the vow. By law, the vow was unchangeable. But if they kept the vow, the tribe of Benjamin would be unable to recover. And the surviving men would be unable keep their blood relationship with the other tribes. Because of this conflict, it was unclear what they should do.
But their solutions sounds like a bunch of jailhouse lawyering. “Allow the remnant of survivors to kidnap young women who’ve gone up to worship the Lord.” So, technically they didn’t “break their vow” – or the law. It’s clever. But is this right?
You Are the Man
And therein lies the temptation.
I condemn these Old Testament characters for their guile. It’s not right. Their behavior is not righteousness. They are playing a game and making a mockery of God’s intent. This bending of the law creates exceptions that undermine the whole law.
So, God’s law is made into a prosaic and antiquated nonsense. I’m offended on God’s account.
And in my indignation, I realize – I am that man. My indignation reminds me that I’m the one who justifies my little indulgences. And, I’m the one who bends the rules in my favor. And, I’m the one who justifies my actions so that no one can accuse me.
Sometimes, when I go into a prison to teach, I look around and see these men and women. Their faces are like mine. I think to myself, “what’s the difference”
Only but the grace of God and there go I. It sobers me.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner.” The Jesus Prayer
