From Spiritual Apostasy to Moral Decay

The book of Judges concludes with a snapshot of the moral condition of the nation. Israel has been mixing the worship of Jehovah with the worship of the gods of the pagans they live among. Their immoral conduct reveals and testifies of their spiritual condition. The book will conclude with the assessment that 'each man did what was right in his own eyes.'

What follows in these chapters is an example of the moral decay and decadence that follows spiritual apostasy, as was previously highlighted in chapters 17-18.

This account of the Levite and his concubine give a horrifying account of the depravity of sin and the conduct that can result when the depth of its corruption is allowed to run its course.

As the discipline is carried out we are reminded again of the pain and great consequence of sin.

Lessons from these final chapters include:

1. Spiritual apostasy leads to moral decay.
2. Even the people of God can commit immoral violence.
3. Discipline is necessary for the purity of God's people.
4. The people of God are to stand as one against sin and in the discipline for sin.
5. The people who will not stand against sin are guilty of sin.
6. Discipline will not be easy.