Judges 20:26-28 – Seeking God’s strategy for life

Someone said that it is insanity to do the same old things and expect a different result. Perhaps, the Israelites had wised up after losing the first two battles. It’s sad to think that it had to take two tragedies to wake them up. But the heartening truth is they truly sought the Lord this time before they went about dealing with the Benjamites. It would be foolish if they did not take time to evaluate their mistake and make the necessary adjustment. So, they woke up from their failures and made an adjustment to the battle strategy. They fine-tuned the way they consulted the Lord. We can see the progression in the way they sought the Lord. Initially, they merely assumed and ask who should go up first in the battle. When they lost, they wept till evening before the Lord, then asked if they should go up against the sons of their brother Benjamin. Knowing how bent on punishing the Benjamites, even if the Lord should say no, they would still go ahead regardless.

In this third battle, before they launch into the fray, they had the decency to seek the Lord earnestly. They came weeping and fasting before the Lord. This could be an indication of their repentance. Then they added sacrifices and offerings. In addition, this third time around they also asked for specific direction. They did not presume that the Lord wanted them to go into battle. Their question to the Lord this time was, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?” They were not so bent on doing their own will this time. Then the Lord’s reply was “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” They had the assurance of victory this time.

What we can learn from the Israelites’ third effort to deal with the Benjamites is their earnestness to seek the plan of the Lord. The first two times they were acting on impulse. They just wanted to show how mighty they were, thinking that their larger force could crush the Benjamites. We not only need God’s approval concerning any venture, but we also need His strategy. We learn not to take things for granted. If we are to live a victorious life, we must always seek the Lord, know His heart and adopt His strategy. Only then can victory be secured. The Bible exhorts us to “Seek the Lord while He may be found!” Let our response be, “Your face Lord do I seek.”!