“But the sons of Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the sons of Israel.” Judges 20:13b
This is the last story in Judges and one cannot read it without shaking the head in disbelief. An entire tribe refuses to turn over individuals guilty of gang rape and murder. Instead, they gather to fight against the other 11 tribes. Civil War at its worst! 40,000 men of Israel would lose their lives seeking to do right, and 18,000 from Benjamin, defending the Wicked. Staggering!!!
Lesson? Sometimes a Righteous Cause has a Great Price. Our Revolutionary and Civil War, and both World Wars, come to mind. The Church has weathered a few Storms like this too. Jesus Death epitomizes this best; the Sinless for the Sinful. May it give us fresh perspective!