Israel has been on a war footing for generations. So perhaps its not surprising when their forces turn inwards. But it does sound like God’s chosen people, meant to be a blessing to the world, are unravelling.
The Danites rob Micah and invade Laish
Judges 18:16-31
A Levite and his concubine
Judges 19:1-13
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah
Judges 19:14-30
Israel prepares for civil war
Judges 20:1-17
War against the Benjamites and their defeat
Judges 20:18-36a
So first, the people of Dan seem to have declared independence. Micah’s little crime in setting up a private religion has now been overtaken by a tribe. Once an individual has thought what should have been unthinkable, it isn’t long before a group come and steal it off him.
The writer of Judges makes it clear what the problem is - Israel has no king. Things are breaking up. A dreadful atrocity takes place - very reminiscent of the evil of Sodom. It seems that all respect for the law is being lost. It seems that one tribe, Benjamin, has no shame. The others attack, and in a battle of intensity and bitterness, there are huge losses on both sides before the Benjamites are defeated. The battle is described in detail, much like some of the campaigns against the Canaanites. But now it is Israel fighting against Israel.
I suspect that the bitter taste of this conflict will endure for a long time.
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