1. Victory and Defeat Lessons from the Benjamite War Judges 20

2. Background The period is one of situation ethics: “every man doing that which is right in his own eyes” (17:6; 21:25) – Idolatry was practiced (Judg. 17-18) – Immorality was practiced (Judg. 19) – Indifference was practiced (Judg. 20) What can we learn from the victory and defeat of the Benjamites?

3. A Lesson in Pride The Benjamites were proud and stubborn (20:13) The Benjamites were over-confident (20:32) The Benjamites found that pride goes before a fall (Prov. 16:18; 29:1)

4. A Lesson in Prayer The Israelites asked the Lord for guidance (20:18,23,27): pray for guidance The Israelites were drawn closer to the Lord after each defeat (20:18,23,27): pray without ceasing (Lk. 11:5ff; 18:1ff; 1 Thess. 5:17 The Israelites had to wait for the final outcome (20:28): prayer is not always answered the manner or time we want (Deut. 3:26; 2 Cor. 12:8-9)

5. A Lesson in Punishment The Israelites, the Benjamites in particular, were punished for their relativistic morality (17:6; 21:25; 21:15): following what we think is right leads to death (Prov. 14:12; 16:25) The Israelites brought confusion and civil war upon themselves (Mt. 12:25; 2 Tim. 3:13).

6. Principles to Ponder The basis of moral behavior is of critical importance (Heb. 5:14) Ethical relativism is degrading, dehumanizing and destructive (2 Pet. 2:19) Theology and morality cannot be separated (Prov. 1) We must not only know God’s answers, we must internalize his values (1 Cor. 15:33)