Right In Whose Eyes?

Good News –October 2015 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Right In Whose Eyes?

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6; 21:25 NKJV).

“No king in Israel” is repeated four times in the gruesome stories at the end of the book of Judges, the seventh book of the Bible. And “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” occurs twice. The people heard the stories of the journey out of Egypt and through the wilderness, and of the pillars of cloud during the day and fire at night signifying God’s presence. There were stories of the nation’s conquering the land where Israel is now and their victories under Joshua. And in Joshua’s triumphant, last speech, just before the book of Judges, there was a stern warning to follow the Lord. Why would they do otherwise?

In the beginning of Judges we already read of the people’s leaving the ways of God. This led to idolatry – replacing God altogether. Consider the story of a mother and her son (Jud. 17-18). We are not told what happened to the father, but apparently, like many fathers today, he was not present. This son, Micah, stole his mother’s silver. Later he returned it, and his mother then gave the silver to him to make an idol. Micah added a little worship center.

At that time in Israel, the Lord had called certain ones, Levites, to the ministry of teaching and leading the people in spiritual matters. One Levite who didn’t seem to have any concern for the ways of God left his position and looked for another place to live. He came to Micah’s house and they made an agreement that he would be a priest to Micah’s household. Micah’s last words were: “Now I know the Lord will be good to me because I have a Levite for a priest” (17:13). They were doing “what was right in their own eyes,” in total disregard for the ways of God! It wasn’t long until all that Micah trusted in was taken away, including the idols and the Levite.

We are introduced to another Levite in the next story of Judges (Jud. 19-21). This one had a “concubine.” Today she might be known as a live-in girlfriend. Though often viewed as being right in the eyes of the world, this kind of relationship is sin in the eyes of God.

Later she acted like a prostitute and returned to her father’s house. This Levite “loved” her enough to go after her, and after some days they and his servant started back to his home. Needing a place to spend the night along the way, they stayed in a town named Gibeah, in the territory of Benjamin. Being among God’s people, Israel, and those who had promised to obey Him, they should have been safe. But while staying as guests in a home, “perverted” men approached seeking immoral activity (19:22). The Levite was kept safe while the woman was handed over to these men’s desires. Abused all night, she was dead by morning. Such an event was too much for most of the nation to overlook, and in judgment for such behavior Israel’s army nearly destroyed the people of Benjamin.

Do these stories remind you of activities in your own country or possibly in your life? You may even call yourself a Christian. But, remember the verse: “There was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The idea of living and acting “my way” abounds today.

I have my little book, the Bible, which shows me exactly how I am to live, if I am reading it. God’s Word tells me about the salvation found in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for my sin and was raised from the dead, presenting the new life I can have in Him. It says that if I am believer I was “bought at a price,” “the precious blood of Christ” (1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Pet. 1:19). This book tells me that though Jesus Christ is not called the believers’ King, He is their Lord. The Church is called the body of Christ, and He is their Head. Believers are associated with heaven – a heavenly people. Considering all this, I want to do what is right in God’s eyes.

But are you, dear reader, still seeking to do what is right in your own eyes? Though you may not see it now, you are facing great grief and sorrow. Instead, seek His forgiveness and commit your life to the Lord Jesus today. Ask Him to come into your heart and life. Follow Him always – doing what is right in His eyes! We can tell you more.

By Curt Darling